West Coast Fires Are The Impetus For Policy Review

The U.S. Forest Service says it is reviewing its policy on night firefighting following this summer's active fire season out west. If approved, the change would allow firefighting helicopters to fly at night.

Wildfires burned more than 250 square miles in the Angeles National Forest this summer, consuming 89 homes and costing two firefighters their lives. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has been pushing for nighttime operations in the wake of those fires.

Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management Director Tom Harbour told the Associated Press the current policy was under review. "We are in the process ... of one more time taking a look at night-flying operations. But we will have to make sure that those operations, before we change our policy, are worth the benefits," he said, adding "Night flying is a risky operation."

Night aerial firefighting was allowed in the 1970's and '80s', but was abandoned after a helicopter collision.

While fire officials admit allowing night water drops in the early stages of the Angeles fire might have made some difference, there is no guarantee that it would have led to less damage in the fire. Harbour said the extent of the damage was the result of the blaze jumping firebreaks and getting into inaccessible terrain. "It's a red herring to keep talking about helicopters and air tankers," Harbour said, referring to the Angeles fire. "Aircraft serve a useful purpose in assisting the folks on the ground. ... Firefighters on the ground put out fire," he said.

Los Angeles County firefighters are allowed to fly at night over Forest Service land in limited circumstances. Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman is on the record as supporting the review of federal policy.

FMI: www.fs.fed.us/fire/aviation/