San Diego Agrees on Nighttime Water Drops

Due to the danger inherent in fighting nighttime forest fires, California has long banned the practice on state land. However, the San Diego Board of Supervisors has approved a recommendation that will change that policy and allow the rescuers to battle Santa Ana conditions around the clock on state-owned land beginning October 1. San Diego Fire-Rescue, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) and Mayor Jerry Sanders signed the agreement. San Diego’s Fire-Rescue currently flies a Bell 212 equipped with infra red and video down link and a new Bell 412. Three pilots already use NVGs and three more are training for certification. This agreement could set a precedent to change statewide policy for nighttime drops.For related news