VINA, Calif. -
At CAL FIRE's Vina Helitack, the aviation team gears up everyday to train with their UH-1H Super Huey Helicopter. The aircraft is one of nine staffed helicopters in California.
When dispatched to a fire, the helicopter can fit up to 11 people including a pilot, a fire captain and multiple firefighters. It takes everyone a total of three minutes to gear up and take off.
Brent Starr is a fire captain and the helicopter pilot. He explained the abilities of the aircraft are endless, but it's main job is to help the firefighters get the job done safely.
"Flying is our everything, our bread and butter that we have to do, but it's really keeping the crews safe," Starr siad. "I mean that's the best thing we can describe it. What we do has an impact, but it's to support the guys on the ground."
Sean O'Hara is one of the fire captains who often flies next to Starr when they are responding to a wildfire. He said the aircraft is a crucial tool for many reasons.
"I think it's a great asset not only to the department but also the citizens of California," O'Hara said with confidence.
The abilities of the aircraft are endless. The helicopter can shuttle crews in, drop buckets of water on the fire, aid in an aggressive initial attack, hover over crews and complete air rescues. Often times air rescues happen when firefighters get near tough terrain or the behavior of the fire becomes dangerous.
"It's constantly changing, but we have communication, good communication with all our aircraft, helicopters and the air tankers and the air attack and we develop a safe plan," Starr said.
He shared the job is always busy and while flying, the team has to be ready to adapt to quick changes.
"Everything we do in the air, the whole air program, is to support the guys on the ground. We don't put fires out with the helicopters or the airplanes. It's the guys on the ground," Starr explained about the dynamic of the entire team.
During a fire, Starr and O'Hara are in constant communication with other air tankers and firefighters on the ground.
"I am their eyes in the sky for the guys on the ground. I see the firefighters get in a bad situation. We are in constant contact with them all the time. They have radios. I have my radios in the helicopter and I have a direct link to them," Starr said as he pointed to the six radio channels they listen to.
The Vina Helitack team goes through extensive training every morning to be prepared for wildfires that often happen in the afternoon.
O'Hara and Brent said at times the job can be dangerous, but the team is well-prepared to fight wildfires safely.
"Aviation gets in your blood. Everyone that's on that aircraft they wouldn't be there if they didn't have a love for flying. We all have a love for flying even if they aren't pilots love to do it," Starr said.
The other members of the team are Captain Skye McGregor and firefighters Dustin Reid, Kyle McWhorter, Shelby Caldwell, Steven Morgado and Travis Buick.
Original article can be found here: http://www.krcrtv.com
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