CAL FIRE’s Aviation Program has a legacy built on courage, innovation, and teamwork. From its early beginnings to today’s operation, CAL FIRE now commands the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world. This evolution represents decades of dedication from those who saw the potential of aviation to change the way California fights wildfires. As we recognize Aviation History Month, we honor not only the aircraft that have evolved over the years but the people who built this program into what i

Over the next two weeks, CAL FIRE Aviation is conducting a large-scale Night Aerial Firefighting Exercise. During the cover of night, pilots and crew members simulate real-world scenarios involving water drops, navigation, communication, using night vision goggles, and coordinating operations between different aircraft. By extending the firefight into the night, CAL FIRE aircraft can attack the fire when it is least active. Night-flying capabilities are another resource in CAL FIRE's arsenal. To