Four Of California's 23 Tankers Have Been Idled

And extended fire season, retirements and other factors have reduced the number of pilots available to fly firefighting tankers in California, forcing Cal Fire to ground four of its 23 tankers.

Fox News reports that a new fire erupted on Wednesday, shortly after Cal Fire crews got a handle on the largest blaze in the state's history. Cal Fire has a contract with DynCorp to maintain the state's firefighting tankers and provide pilots to fly them.

With the fire season extending throughout the year, pilots are not getting enough time off to rest and recharge, according to the report. The Sacramento Bee found through a records search that the four aircraft in the state's fleet had been grounded. The state can call on other private companies and federal aircraft to fight fires in emergency situations.

Cal Fire Deputy Director Mike Mohler told television station KTXL (FOX40) that the work requires pilots with a "very specific skillset. He said that Cal Fire has the support of the U.S. Forestry Service, which can deploy aircraft to fill the gaps. Private tankers can also be called on for use by the agency.

“Please understand that there hasn’t been an impact to our aerial operation," Mohler said. "The aircraft regardless if it`s helicopter or fixed wing, we'll be over that fire when you call 911 just like it was before.”

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report