lobihp.blogg.se - Cal fire aircraft

The force multiplier offered by the addition of these airframes to fire suppression forces is critical. “We must continue to prioritize forest management and wildfire prevention, but vigorous and efficient suppression forces are needed in trying times as well.

“Adding seven C-130s to California’s aerial firefighting force is a truly remarkable advancement,” Dias said.

Matt Dias, President and CEO of Calforests – a trade association that advocates for California’s forests – said the new aircraft will save lives, improve air quality, protect the forests and reduce carbon emissions.

“I look forward to these aircraft joining CAL FIRE’s world-renowned aerial firefighting force.”

“These critical assets will aid in reducing the loss of life and property while protecting our natural resources and private timberlands,” Tyler said.

What they’re saying: CAL FIRE Director Joe Tyler celebrated the acquisition, saying the aircraft will enhance the state’s firefighting capabilities. John Boozeman (R-Ark.) to garner critical Republican support in the Senate.

The Golden State pair received a strong assist from Sen.Ken Calvert (R–Corona) introduced the legislation to transfer the aircraft to CAL FIRE. C-130s that are already in use are able to drop 3,000 gallons of retardant in less than five seconds.The C-130 has been in service for over 60 years and has been used as a military aircraft for troop transportation, medical evacuation, search and rescue, weather reconnaissance and other functions.One C-130 is equivalent to six S-2T Airtankers that CAL FIRE currently uses to deliver fire retardant.The big picture: Congress recently authorized the expedited transfer of seven C-130 aircraft from the Coast Guard to CAL FIRE. The effort took bipartisan support from California and gives the state a significant tool during wildfire season. Firefighters say with the fall season on the horizon, and the expected Santa Ana winds, those resources will be put to the test.California lawmakers have secured major firefighting aircraft for the Golden State that will assist CAL FIRE in fighting wildfires. Both the DC-10, and two MD-87s are on contract for a few more months. "We have three on medical leave we had four retirements, and unfortunately one of them passed away."īut resources are still available. "We have two pilots that went to the private section," said Cal Fire spokesperson Scott McLean. Not only does it usually take two years for a pilot to complete their training, but more pilots than usual have left the force this year.

And Cal Fire says filling them hasn't been easy. Of the 57 positions in the Cal Fire air tanker force, right now there are three vacancies. (Applicants) need to have hundreds of hours of training prior to even applying for a job." "That is a very specific skill set to be an air tanker pilot," said Chief Mike Mohler of Cal Fire. They're often the most visually impressive symbols of firefighting efforts: the fixed-wing air tankers operating high in the sky, then dropping to line the hillsides of a fire-threatened community with fire retardant.īut this year, there are often fewer aircraft operating over active fires than Calf Fre would like to see, because of a shortage of pilots. In the middle of a tough fire season, Cal Fire is facing a shortage of pilots to fly the air tankers that drop flame retardant, saving lives and homes.