Above: A Kaman K-Max, operated by Mountain West Helicopters, heads to the Thumb Fire across the chasms of the Grand Canyon with a Bambi Bucket slung on its line.
Left: A Hillcrest Aircraft Co. Bell 205A-1, contracted by the US Forest Service to transport Price Valley (Idaho) Heli-Rappellers, launches toward the Thumb Fire from the Grand Canyon helibase.