Thu, Dec 03, 2009
West Coast Fires Are The Impetus For Policy Review
The U.S. Forest Service says it is reviewing its policy on
night firefighting following this summer's active fire season out
west. If approved, the change would allow firefighting helicopters
to fly at night.
Wildfires burned more than 250 square miles in the Angeles
National Forest this summer, consuming 89 homes and costing two
firefighters their lives. The Los Angeles County Board of
Supervisors has been pushing for nighttime operations in the wake
of those fires.
Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management Director Tom Harbour
told the Associated Press the current policy was under review. "We
are in the process ... of one more time taking a look at
night-flying operations. But we will have to make sure that those
operations, before we change our policy, are worth the benefits,"
he said, adding "Night flying is a risky operation."
Night aerial firefighting was allowed in the 1970's and '80s',
but was abandoned after a helicopter collision.
While fire officials admit allowing night water drops in the
early stages of the Angeles fire might have made some difference,
there is no guarantee that it would have led to less damage in the
fire. Harbour said the extent of the damage was the result of the
blaze jumping firebreaks and getting into inaccessible terrain.
"It's a red herring to keep talking about helicopters and air
tankers," Harbour said, referring to the Angeles fire. "Aircraft
serve a useful purpose in assisting the folks on the ground. ...
Firefighters on the ground put out fire," he said.
Los Angeles County firefighters are allowed to fly at night over
Forest Service land in limited circumstances. Los Angeles County
Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman is on the record as supporting the
review of federal policy.
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