As California enters peak fire season, CAL FIRE showcases new firefighting helicopters stationed across North Bay counties. The Sikorsky S70-Is and Boeing Chinook aim to improve response to wildfires. Equipped with night vision, these helicopters allow crews to capitalize on lower night-time fire activity for better suppression. Chief Matt Ryan emphasized the importance of combining air and ground resources, while pilot Michael Schanley described the challenges of targeting fires accurately, likening it to a boxing match. The addition of these aircraft comes in response to the community's past wildfire experiences, ensuring preparedness this summer.
"Together, our air and ground resources enhance our ability to protect the lives, property and natural resources of California," said Chief Matt Ryan from CAL FIRE's Sonoma Lake Napa Unit.
"It's kind of part science part black voodoo magic, getting the wind right to drop and do it again, it's like we're working with an opponent in a boxing match," Schanley said.
"Absolutely, you have increased humidity during the evening time which decreases fire activity, we like to take advantage of that time to suppress the fire," said Battalion Chief Kyle Lunsted from CAL FIRE Sonoma Air Attack Base.
The dual rotor Chinook, capable of dropping more than 2,000 gallons of water on a fire, will be based in Napa where major wildfires have left painful memories with the community.
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