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.
More News
From 2023 (YouTube Version): Legacy of a Titan Robert (Bob) Anderson Hoover was a fighter pilot, test pilot, flight instructor, and air show superstar. More so, Bob Hoover was an i>[...]
Get The Latest in Aviation News NOW on Instagram Are you on Instagram yet? It's been around for a few years, quietly picking up traction mostly thanks to everybody's new obsession >[...]
Aero Linx: B-52H Stratofortress The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic spee>[...]
Altimeter Setting The barometric pressure reading used to adjust a pressure altimeter for variations in existing atmospheric pressure or to the standard altimeter setting (29.92).>[...]
"Knowing that we play an active part in bettering people's lives is extremely rewarding. My team and I are very thankful for the opportunity to be here and to help in any way we ca>[...]