Helicopter Crews Tackle Garnet Fire from Reedley Helibase

The intense battle against the Garnet Fire in California is being fought from the skies as helicopter crews operate from the Reedley Helibase. On October 20, 2023, Action News gained exclusive access to these operations, showcasing the critical role helicopters play in firefighting efforts.

At the center of these operations is the Bell 205 helicopter, capable of carrying 320 gallons of water and accommodating two crewmembers in the front and six in the back. According to Joe Romero, airbase manager with the U.S. Forest Service, each helicopter can fly for about two hours before needing to refuel. Romero emphasized the importance of coordination, stating, “This guy over here is usually the crew boss, and his job is to make sure the operation is going smoothly back here.”

As ground crews engage with the flames, the helicopters take to the air, returning to base only to refill their water supplies. Dramatic footage released by the U.S. Forest Service illustrates the ferocity of the fire and the challenges faced by these aerial teams. “The pilot will just go off and fly to a dip site,” Romero explained, detailing the process. “He’ll get water, he’ll come back and be talking to someone on the ground, and see where they need the water.”

Inside the mobile control tower, known as the ARBO, crew members monitor six radios, constantly ready to coordinate actions. Romero highlighted their crucial role, stating, “It’s our job to facilitate what they need. Whether it’s an aircraft here or an aircraft at another base, the ARBO will call out to order them up and get them to the fire.”

The radar at the base indicated four helicopters near Balch Camp, a location critical for PG&E infrastructure. Operators keep detailed logs on the windowpanes to track their aircraft. “When it’s very busy with radios going off, it can get stressful,” Romero noted. “It’s best to have two to three people in here.”

The Reedley Helibase is one of several small airports in the region, including Fresno’s Chandler and Reedley Municipal Airports, that have become essential for firefighting efforts. “When we launch an aircraft out of here, it’s a 10 to 20-minute flight, tops,” Romero explained. This rapid response capability allows helicopters to quickly return, refuel, and re-engage in firefighting activities.

Some pilots are even trained to conduct water drops at night, showcasing the extensive preparation and skill required in these demanding operations. The ongoing efforts reflect a vital strategy in combating wildfires effectively and efficiently, underscoring the significance of coordinated aerial support in California’s firefighting landscape.

As the situation continues to evolve, updates and developments will be closely monitored and reported.