Aerial fire-fighting bucket actuation systems

A method of filling a firefighting bucket with water, the method comprising:

• attaching to a firefighting bucket skin a valve system comprising (a) a base platform configured to be attached to a lower opening of the firefighting bucket skin, the platform having at least one open area configured to allow water to enter and exit the firefighting bucket;
• and (b) a valve assembly including a plate structure configured to move between a closed position in which the plate structure covers the open area and an open position in which water can move through the opening, the valve assembly being configured so that the plate structure moves freely toward the open position in response to upward pressure against a lower surface of the plate structure;
• and
• placing the base platform of the firefighting bucket in a body of water.