Hi Shenton !
I'm no genius either but then I'm not sure if anyone really is
Here's a very simple non-script soultion to your troubles which just MAY work. No guarantees though !
Simply place an empty helicopter on the map and set its Damage level to 1 (ie = destroyed). Now zoom in really REALLY close and place a campfire right next to it (look under Empty Objects to find it). In the campfire's Init field enter the text
this Inflame true
Now preview it. If all goes according to plan you should have a burning fire at the same point as your demolished helicopter, burning through it.
Good luck !
Roni