The S70i CAL FIRE HAWK helicopters primary mission is responding to initial attack wildfires and rescue missions. When responding to wildfires, the helicopter can quickly deliver up to a 9-person Helitack Crew for ground firefighting operations and quickly transition into water/foam dropping missions. External hoists allow for rescue missions were highly trained firefighters are lowered to an injured or trapped person, and once secured to either a harness or stokes basket, can be hoisted into th

In today's update from CAL FIRE, we highlight the incredible work of firefighting personnel, efforts to reopen neighborhoods safely and the rapid response to 11 new fires in the last 24 hours across critical fire weather areas. Key updates: 🔥 Progress on the #EatonFire (91% contained) and #PalisadesFire (68% contained), now ranked as California's 2nd and 3rd most destructive wildfires. 🔥 New incidents continue to pop up across the region and personnel are making every effort to quickly respond

We’re getting ready for peak fire activity! As part of that preparation, the CAL FIRE Aviation Program holds annual recurrent training for pilots and crews. At the CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit McClellan Reload Base, S-2T pilots and ground crews practice the skills and simulate the operations used at airbases throughout California. From landing to takeoff, and retardant drops to navigation, pilots hone their critical aerial firefighting skills. Ground crews get hands-on practice refueling and g

Fact-checking misinformation about the Los Angeles wildfires and California water policy

Lauren Tarshis