Helicopter bucket

Each bucket has a release valve on the bottom which is controlled by the helicopter crew.

When the helicopter is in position, the crew releases the water to extinguish or suppress the fire below.

The size of each bucket is determined by the lifting capacity of the helicopter required to utilise each version.

Smaller collapsible buckets can use water sources as shallow as 1 foot (30.5 cm).

In the United States, this type of bucket is officially referred to as a helibucket.