Cal Fire deploys new night-flying helicopter to Paso Robles

Just as California moves into fire season, Cal Fire is upgrading its firefighting capabilities with six new night-flying helicopters, one of which is now located at the Paso Robles Air Attack Base.

The CH-47 Chinook can release 2,300 gallons of water in a single drop. It then uses a snorkeling system to refill the tank in under 40 seconds.

The Chinooks join a fleet of 10 Firehawk S-70i helicopters scattered around the state. Firehawks are also capable of flying at night and can carry 1,000 gallons of water. However, the closest Firehawk helicopter is based in Hollister, according to a news release from Cal Fire.

The pilots use night vision goggles to safely navigate low-visibility and avoid any hazards, including power lines, water sources and fire targets, Cal Fire said.

“Night operations give us the advantage of cooler temperatures and higher humidity,” Inland Assistant Chief Tom Swanson said in the release. “These conditions can increase drop effectiveness but also demand precision and teamwork from flight crews and aerial supervisors to ensure safe, coordinated attacks on the fire.”

California was the first state to conduct night firefighting operations and continues to have the largest night-flying fleet, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Office.

The Chinook helicopter has already been put to work and helped contain a recent grass fire at the Lake Nacimiento Resort campground that was started by a barbecue. The helicopter’s presence at the scene helped minimize fire damage.

The new helicopters are part of Cal Fire’s mission to keep 90% all wildfires to 10 acres or less, by strategically placing night-flying helicopters within 20 minutes of its responsibility areas.