Thank you to the CAL FIRE Hemet Ryan Air Attack Base for providing more information about CAL FIRE’s air operations and the work pilots do to aide firefighters on the ground. Learn about the benefits of aircraft on a wildland fire and when aircraft is the most effective when battling a wildfire. | CAL FIRE

CAL FIRE’s Aviation Program has a legacy built on courage, innovation, and teamwork. From its early beginnings to today’s operation, CAL FIRE now commands the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world. This evolution represents decades of dedication from those who saw the potential of aviation to change the way California fights wildfires. As we recognize Aviation History Month, we honor not only the aircraft that have evolved over the years but the people who built this program into what i

CAL FIRE's Copter 604, based out of Hollister Helitack Base, was recently dispatched to support the #WhiteFire. Mission: perform an aerial ignition of a 228-acre unburned "island." Working in coordination with Incident Management Team 1 and Kern County Fire Department, the S70i FIREHAWK team used a "Plastic Sphere Dispenser" to deploy 4,000 "Dragon Eggs." The unburned area presented an ongoing risk to firefighters. @calfiresandiego | CAL FIRE

A remarkable time lapse of planes taxiing in and out of CAL FIRE’s Airtanker Reload Base at McClellan Park in Sacramento. On this particular day, 12 Large and Very Large Airtankers were filled with 38 loads, including 195,119 gallons of retardant for the #MosquitoFire and 19,883 for the #DutchFire. | CAL FIRE

12:30PM Wildland Fire, Rocky Hill, East of Exeter. Cal Fire, Cal Fire Air Attack, TCFD and Porterville City Water Tender #73 are all on the scene. The fire is approximately 140 acres with 30% containment. | Porterville Stringer