News

Aerial Support Key to Fighting Southern California Fires

Pia Bergqvist

Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 10:20 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The Woolsey Fire rapidly spread across tens of thousands of acres, driven by strong Santa Ana winds that initially prevented aerial firefighting, making ground crews crucial for saving homes.
The fire's progression from Simi Valley to the beach saw unique sights like smoke clouds resembling thunderstorms, and after winds subsided, aerial firefighting helped contain the flames.
However, renewed Santa Ana winds reignited hotspots, leading to the destruction of 91,000 acres and over 370 homes in the Woolsey Fire alone, along with two fatalities.
The article also notes the concurrent and even more devastating Camp Fire in Northern California and expresses immense gratitude for the heroic efforts of firefighters and pilots.

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Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.