Contract pilots flew two CAl Fire S-2T retardant-dropping tanker planes into Columbia Air Attack Base this week to respond to fires across the Mother Lode as spring and summer heat up.
There’s also a OV-10A Bronco used for aerial traffic control and leading retardant runs, and Copter 404, a performance-enhanced Bell 205 Super Huey, which is set up for hoist rescues, water drops, crew transport, recon missions and helitack.
“We came on Monday and these airplanes will be here through the fire season,” Dave Kelly, a tanker pilot contracted to Cal Fire by DynCorp International, said Thursday on the flight line.
Firefighter Sarah Shore worked with Aviation Mechanic Butch Hall on cleaning one of the two S-2s. Each of the planes can carry up to 1,200 gallons of retardant.
“Fire season historically is through Oct. 15 but with the drought that’s been extending it out,” Kelly said. “We’ve had extra duty the past few years.”
Cal Fire’s priorities for the coming heat season include avoiding any repeat of the 2013 Rim Fire or the 2015 Butte Fire. Peak fire season is scheduled to begin June 20, said Chief Josh White of Cal Fire’s Tuolumne Calaveras Unit.