VIDEO: The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection boasts the largest civil firefighting aviation unit in the world and, as fires become more destructive and frequent, it’s only getting bigger. With more than 60 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft used in tandem to monitor and attack fires, Cal Fire has been able to extinguish thousands of wildfires every year. But recent fire seasons have shattered records for the largest, deadliest and most destructive fires in California, and 2024’s fire season is already more active than the year-to-date average of the last five years.
To meet the state’s need for firefighting operations, the agency has been bringing in new members to its aviation units who are keeping Cal Fire on the edge of faster responses.