Fighting LA’s Fires from the Sky
For more than a week, the skies above Los Angeles have been alive with helicopters, aeroplanes, and drones battling the most devastating fires in southern California’s history.
Helicopters, in particular able to drop vast volumes of water precisely and operate at night have played a pivotal role in turning the tide against the wind-fueled infernos that have claimed at least 27 lives and destroyed thousands of buildings.
The Role of Helicopters in Firefighting
An LA County Fire water-dropping helicopter was recently seen in action over the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon. The two largest fires, Eaton and Palisades, continue to burn across a combined total of approximately 40,000 acres.
Many of the helicopters buzzing over Los Angeles belong to Cal Fire, the government agency tasked with protecting California from wildfires. These pilots and helicopter crews have spent the past 11 days tirelessly dropping water, refueling, and working to avoid both burnout and dangerous crashes.
Taking part in one of the most ambitious aerial firefighting campaigns ever seen, Cal Fire’s team has implemented new tactics and learned valuable lessons that they hope will benefit other teams battling wildfires around the world.
The Cal Fire Helicopter Fleet
Equipped with specially outfitted helicopters known as Firehawks, Cal Fire’s team was integral in combating the Palisades Fire. These helicopters can carry hundreds of gallons of water and are designed to withstand the intense conditions of wildfire zones.
When hurricane-force winds fueled the blaze in the Palisades on 7 January, Cal Fire joined an unprecedented operation alongside the National Guard, the city of Los Angeles, and private firefighting companies.
A 24-Hour Battle Against the Flames
In the early hours of the fires, powerful winds made it too dangerous for aerial teams to fly. However, as soon as the winds subsided enough, Cal Fire’s helicopters were in the air, relentlessly battling the flames.
From a swiftly assembled base at Camarillo Airport, located about 40 miles west of the city, Cal Fire launched 24-hour missions. They targeted the Palisades Fire with hundreds of thousands of gallons of water, strategically dropped to slow the fire’s advance. Their mission was clear: contain the fire to give ground crews the upper hand.
Engineered for Precision in Dangerous Terrain
The rugged mountains and canyons of the Palisades region posed unique challenges. Cal Fire helicopters, designed for agility and precision, swooped through the melee, getting as close to the flames as possible. This strategic approach allowed them to target critical areas and prevent further devastation.
A Global Lesson in Fighting Wildfires
Cal Fire’s relentless efforts in the face of such extreme conditions demonstrate the importance of well-coordinated aerial firefighting strategies. Their innovative tactics and unwavering determination have set a new standard for wildfire management, offering hope and guidance for firefighting teams worldwide.