Reynir Freyr Pétursson, a helicopter pilot at Heliair, argues that acquiring smaller extinguishing systems, or 'shelters', for use with smaller helicopters would significantly improve the efficiency of fire-fighting operations, particularly in cases of wildfires. He highlights that these smaller systems are more effective than the larger systems currently employed by the Coast Guard's larger helicopters. Freyr emphasizes that the implementation of smaller extinguishing systems could prevent the overwhelming involvement of all available firefighting personnel in a single incident, thereby optimizing resource allocation during emergencies.

Freyr references the recent wildfire incident at Elliðavatn, suggesting that with the appropriate equipment in hand, the fire could have been contained much faster. He expresses concern regarding the current practice of utilizing expensive rescue equipment for firefighting and believes it is an inefficient use of resources. By adopting a more specialized approach with smaller, effective systems for certain types of incidents, the response time to wildfires could be significantly decreased, leading to better outcomes and potentially minimizing damage.

This proposal highlights a critical reflection on Iceland's emergency response capabilities in dealing with wildfires. As climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of such incidents, investing in more adaptable and efficient firefighting resources becomes essential. The discourse on optimizing firefighting strategies not only has implications for community safety but also calls for a reevaluation of how resources are currently allocated in emergency situations.