CAL FIRE Aviation Crews Train at Folsom Lake for Wildfire Readiness
Multiple helicopters and personnel will practice key aerial skills tomorrow as part of statewide safety efforts.
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FOLSOM — On Thursday, May 7, multiple helicopters and nearly 40 personnel will rotate through aerial firefighting scenarios at Folsom Lake. The exercises form part of two foundational aviation courses: Basic Helicopter Operations and Safety, and Flight Crew Initial. Crews completed classroom academics and simulator evolutions at the CAL FIRE Aviation Training Center beforehand.
Safety forms the core of every CAL FIRE Aviation mission. “Safety isn’t just a checklist for CAL FIRE Aviation; it is the foundation of every mission,” a department press release states. The training aligns with Wildfire Preparedness Week, encouraging communities to harden homes and clear defensible space while aviation crews prepare to support ground operations.
Exercises will focus on executing water drops and target descriptions with accuracy to aid ground crews. Crews will practice safe passenger loading, cargo handling, and external load operations under realistic conditions. Refining communications will ensure safety during dynamic fire and rescue incidents.
The courses maintain a standardized, statewide curriculum that serves all Helitack bases and helicopter operations. Personnel gain consistent expertise whether responding in Siskiyou or San Diego. CAL FIRE operates the largest state-owned aerial firefighting fleet in the world, which includes Sikorsky S-70i FIREHAWK and Bell UH-1H Super Huey helicopters according to the department’s aviation program overview.
Residents near Folsom Lake will notice increased helicopter activity and a temporary helibase. Operations will adhere to all safety guidelines to protect the public and crews. Folsom Lake offers an ideal site for water-dipping practice because of its open water and proximity to McClellan Airfield.
The department invites the community to support these efforts as crews remain mission-ready. For more details on CAL FIRE Aviation, visit the official program page. Information on home preparedness during Wildfire Preparedness Week appears at ReadyForWildfire.org.