USFS: Forest Service almost done reviewing night flying policy

Monday, February 20, 2012

USFS: Forest Service almost done reviewing night flying policy

Forest Service still undecided on nighttime firefighting

Wildfires Grow In The Bone Dry Forests North Of Los Angeles

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

File: A Los Angeles County fire fighter monitors hot spots as he fights the Station Fire August 30, 2009 in Acton, California.

Firefighters in Southern California are still waiting to find out whether the U.S. Forest Service will help them battle flames from the air, after dark.

Forest Service Chief Thomas Tidwell says his agency is almost done reviewing its policy on night flying. In the interim, he says, the Forest Service will "work with our partners that do have the night flying capability, so that they’re available to assist when we have fires in the National Forest. But we’re going to complete our review and be able to sit down and look at what we need to do, whether to move forward or not."

Tidwell has been under pressure from Southern California lawmakers to change the Forest Service policy on night flights.

The ban went into effect after a 1977 helicopter crash. Critics say the lack of Forest Service air support during the 2009 Station Fire allowed it to get out of control — two firefighters were killed and dozens of homes were destroyed.

Source article: KPCC - Link California Fire News 2011

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Monday, February 20, 2012