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Dictionary definition of “helitack”

helitack

n. firefighting that uses helicopters (to deploy firefighters, gear, water, etc.). Also adj. Subjects: English, Aviation, Firefighting, Jargon

Etymological Note: helicopter + attack

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Citations: 1956 Los Angeles Times (California) (June 10) “Fire-Fighting Copter Tests Start in Forest” (in San Bernardino) p. A23: First of a series of tests—tabbed the Helitack Program—on the use of helicopters in firefighting will start next week in the San Bernardino National Forest. 1979 Victor Malarek @ Dryden Globe and Mail (Toronto, Can.) (July 24) “Fighting modern-day forest fires like a ‘war without the casualties’” p. P9: The helitack was advised by the regional control centre about the fire being bombed by the Canso. The initial attack crew squeezed into the helicopter and were off within three minutes. 2004 Gregory Alan Gross San Diego Union-Tribune (California) (Nov. 16) “Elite, mobile fire crew might soon be permanent here”: They are the fire service’s shock troops, and they soon might be a year-round fixture in San Diego County. Officially, they are known simply as “helitack.”

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