Bad news out of California as a Firefighter Pilot has reportedly been killed in the Line of Duty in a helicopter crash while fighting the wildfires in central California. Cal Fire reports the chopper crashed this morning during a water dropping mission over the Hills Fire in western Fresno County, about nine miles south of Coalinga. The pilot of the Bell UH-1H helicopter was the only person on board and has not yet been identified. The helicopter was described as a ‘Call When Needed’ unit, meaning that it was privately owned but contracted out to help the government respond to emergencies.
This news comes as two dozen large wildfires continued raging across California – forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate under a state of emergency. At least 23 massive fires, some ignited by lightning strikes and fueled by a historic heat wave and high winds, stretch from Napa, Sonoma, San Mateo and Contra Costa counties.
Over the last 72 hours 10,849 lightning strikes were reported statewide, sparking roughly 367 new fires. So far they believe the fires have burned through 300,000 acres.
Our condolences to all those affected by the loss of this Firefighting Pilot. Rest In Peace.
