What’s a helitack crew? 🚁
A team of firefighters and their pilot who fly in by helicopter to attack wildfires fast and assist with rescues in rugged, hard-to-reach areas.
A team of firefighters and their pilot who fly in by helicopter to attack wildfires fast and assist with rescues in rugged, hard-to-reach areas.
August 17, 2025 at 5:38 PM
What’s a helitack crew? 🚁
A team of firefighters and their pilot who fly in by helicopter to attack wildfires fast and assist with rescues in rugged, hard-to-reach areas.
A team of firefighters and their pilot who fly in by helicopter to attack wildfires fast and assist with rescues in rugged, hard-to-reach areas.
NEW: @governor.ca.gov Gavin Newsom continues to expand the world’s largest civilian firefighting fleet — bringing on the state’s 4th C-130 and 11th helitack base, which house the state's Sikorsky S70i Fire Hawk helicopters.
June 4, 2026 at 11:26 PM
NEW: @governor.ca.gov Gavin Newsom continues to expand the world’s largest civilian firefighting fleet — bringing on the state’s 4th C-130 and 11th helitack base, which house the state's Sikorsky S70i Fire Hawk helicopters.
Helitack crews work in some of California’s most remote and hard-to-reach terrain.
Every year, new and returning crew members complete extensive training to prepare them for helitack operations.
#Helitack #AirOps #CALFIRELNU #FireHawk #California
Every year, new and returning crew members complete extensive training to prepare them for helitack operations.
#Helitack #AirOps #CALFIRELNU #FireHawk #California
April 24, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Helitack crews work in some of California’s most remote and hard-to-reach terrain.
Every year, new and returning crew members complete extensive training to prepare them for helitack operations.
#Helitack #AirOps #CALFIRELNU #FireHawk #California
Every year, new and returning crew members complete extensive training to prepare them for helitack operations.
#Helitack #AirOps #CALFIRELNU #FireHawk #California
Sharing on behalf of firefighter friends:
Federal firefighters consist of engine crews, smoke jumpers, hotshots, & helitack. However, many fires are staffed by federal agencies "fire-ready reserves", often called the militia. These are trained and qualified 'red card' folks. @altusda.bsky.social
Federal firefighters consist of engine crews, smoke jumpers, hotshots, & helitack. However, many fires are staffed by federal agencies "fire-ready reserves", often called the militia. These are trained and qualified 'red card' folks. @altusda.bsky.social
February 18, 2025 at 4:42 AM
Sharing on behalf of firefighter friends:
Federal firefighters consist of engine crews, smoke jumpers, hotshots, & helitack. However, many fires are staffed by federal agencies "fire-ready reserves", often called the militia. These are trained and qualified 'red card' folks. @altusda.bsky.social
Federal firefighters consist of engine crews, smoke jumpers, hotshots, & helitack. However, many fires are staffed by federal agencies "fire-ready reserves", often called the militia. These are trained and qualified 'red card' folks. @altusda.bsky.social
That early program became what we know today as Boggs Mountain Helitack. As we mark National Aviation History Month, we’re recognizing the people and innovations that shaped our aerial firefighting program.
#Helitack #BoggsMountain
#Helitack #BoggsMountain
November 14, 2025 at 10:28 PM
That early program became what we know today as Boggs Mountain Helitack. As we mark National Aviation History Month, we’re recognizing the people and innovations that shaped our aerial firefighting program.
#Helitack #BoggsMountain
#Helitack #BoggsMountain
A Super Puma assigned to the Price Valley Helitack #IdahoFire crashed while supporting the Dome Fire in Yosemite NP.
Reports are that only the two crew were onboard, both died. No Price Valley Firefighters involved.
Reports are that only the two crew were onboard, both died. No Price Valley Firefighters involved.
No details, but early reports are spreading about an incident on the Dome Fire in Yosemite NP. Two crew fatalities are reported by a company operating a helicopter on the fire. 😞
One of the more brutal fire seasons I can recall, and it just keeps getting worse.
One of the more brutal fire seasons I can recall, and it just keeps getting worse.
September 21, 2026 at 6:17 AM
A Super Puma assigned to the Price Valley Helitack #IdahoFire crashed while supporting the Dome Fire in Yosemite NP.
Reports are that only the two crew were onboard, both died. No Price Valley Firefighters involved.
Reports are that only the two crew were onboard, both died. No Price Valley Firefighters involved.
CAL FIRE Tactical Air Ops Chief Zach Boyce breaks down our 2-week Air Rescue class at Vina Helitack in Tehama County.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ5W...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ5W...
CAL FIRE's Air Rescue Class at Vina Helitack
YouTube video by CAL FIRE TV
www.youtube.com
April 17, 2025 at 9:32 PM
CAL FIRE Tactical Air Ops Chief Zach Boyce breaks down our 2-week Air Rescue class at Vina Helitack in Tehama County.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ5W...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ5W...
When the terrain is tough and time is critical, Helitack is how CAL FIRE gets there fast.
Helitack crews are a blend of aviation (helicopter) and firefighting (attack), using helicopters to reach remote areas and support wildland fire and rescue missions from the air.
youtu.be/NiMMSVoktls?...
Helitack crews are a blend of aviation (helicopter) and firefighting (attack), using helicopters to reach remote areas and support wildland fire and rescue missions from the air.
youtu.be/NiMMSVoktls?...
Behind the Scenes at Alma Helitack
Big thanks to the Alma Helitack crew for the behind-the-scenes glimpse into their world. Every detail is a reminder of the girt, heart, and teamwork behind every mission. From the ground to the sky,…
youtu.be
December 14, 2025 at 3:44 PM
When the terrain is tough and time is critical, Helitack is how CAL FIRE gets there fast.
Helitack crews are a blend of aviation (helicopter) and firefighting (attack), using helicopters to reach remote areas and support wildland fire and rescue missions from the air.
youtu.be/NiMMSVoktls?...
Helitack crews are a blend of aviation (helicopter) and firefighting (attack), using helicopters to reach remote areas and support wildland fire and rescue missions from the air.
youtu.be/NiMMSVoktls?...
CAL FIRE has relied on aircraft since the 1950s, and by the early ’70s we began building Helitack bases to put crews and helicopters where rapid initial attack mattered most.
One of the first steps: activating the Northern California Helitack Crew in 1969 near Middletown in Lake County.
#CALFIRE
One of the first steps: activating the Northern California Helitack Crew in 1969 near Middletown in Lake County.
#CALFIRE
November 14, 2025 at 10:28 PM
CAL FIRE has relied on aircraft since the 1950s, and by the early ’70s we began building Helitack bases to put crews and helicopters where rapid initial attack mattered most.
One of the first steps: activating the Northern California Helitack Crew in 1969 near Middletown in Lake County.
#CALFIRE
One of the first steps: activating the Northern California Helitack Crew in 1969 near Middletown in Lake County.
#CALFIRE
What an unexpected treat to have a friend from Alaska stop by for a chat! Darla (middle) is crazy tough Idaho-to-Alaska girl, having started her fire service career as a smokejumper and Helitack crew member. We handled dogs together for the Iditarod start a few times--great memories!
November 5, 2025 at 9:42 PM
What an unexpected treat to have a friend from Alaska stop by for a chat! Darla (middle) is crazy tough Idaho-to-Alaska girl, having started her fire service career as a smokejumper and Helitack crew member. We handled dogs together for the Iditarod start a few times--great memories!
`
As of June 27, we are heartbroken to add those who perished responding to the Knowles Fire in Colorado.
💜Emily Barker, 38, MI, U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack.
💜Nick Hutcherson, 27, AZ, U.S. Forest Service Kaibab Natl. Forest.
💜Sydney Watson, 27, AL, U.S. Wildland Fire Service Rifle Helitack.
As of June 27, we are heartbroken to add those who perished responding to the Knowles Fire in Colorado.
💜Emily Barker, 38, MI, U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack.
💜Nick Hutcherson, 27, AZ, U.S. Forest Service Kaibab Natl. Forest.
💜Sydney Watson, 27, AL, U.S. Wildland Fire Service Rifle Helitack.
June 30, 2026 at 4:06 PM
`
As of June 27, we are heartbroken to add those who perished responding to the Knowles Fire in Colorado.
💜Emily Barker, 38, MI, U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack.
💜Nick Hutcherson, 27, AZ, U.S. Forest Service Kaibab Natl. Forest.
💜Sydney Watson, 27, AL, U.S. Wildland Fire Service Rifle Helitack.
As of June 27, we are heartbroken to add those who perished responding to the Knowles Fire in Colorado.
💜Emily Barker, 38, MI, U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack.
💜Nick Hutcherson, 27, AZ, U.S. Forest Service Kaibab Natl. Forest.
💜Sydney Watson, 27, AL, U.S. Wildland Fire Service Rifle Helitack.
Recently, Howard Forest Helitack C603, successfully rescued an injured hiker in the rugged Sinkyone Wilderness. The hiker was safely transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation.
May 28, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Recently, Howard Forest Helitack C603, successfully rescued an injured hiker in the rugged Sinkyone Wilderness. The hiker was safely transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation.
Training never stops. Not even underwater.
The SWET (Shallow Water Egress Training) chair is a specialized, modular training device originally developed for military aircrews. It simulates a submerged helicopter.
#CALFIRE #Helitack #SWETChair
The SWET (Shallow Water Egress Training) chair is a specialized, modular training device originally developed for military aircrews. It simulates a submerged helicopter.
#CALFIRE #Helitack #SWETChair
April 9, 2026 at 3:08 PM
Training never stops. Not even underwater.
The SWET (Shallow Water Egress Training) chair is a specialized, modular training device originally developed for military aircrews. It simulates a submerged helicopter.
#CALFIRE #Helitack #SWETChair
The SWET (Shallow Water Egress Training) chair is a specialized, modular training device originally developed for military aircrews. It simulates a submerged helicopter.
#CALFIRE #Helitack #SWETChair
It was a rough Friday in Fire. A fourth member of the Rifle helitack crew, Nathan Matthews, died after sustaining burn injuries a month ago on the Knowles Fire.
RIP Brother. 1/
RIP Brother. 1/
July 25, 2026 at 5:48 PM
It was a rough Friday in Fire. A fourth member of the Rifle helitack crew, Nathan Matthews, died after sustaining burn injuries a month ago on the Knowles Fire.
RIP Brother. 1/
RIP Brother. 1/
I carry Narcan now because a while ago, someone overdosed on the bus I was riding, and I swear Seattle FD sent a truck to pull up alongside the bus ON A CITY STREET. It'd have been more efficient to send a freaking helitack crew.
September 24, 2026 at 7:25 PM
I carry Narcan now because a while ago, someone overdosed on the bus I was riding, and I swear Seattle FD sent a truck to pull up alongside the bus ON A CITY STREET. It'd have been more efficient to send a freaking helitack crew.
Helitack Firefighting remains a crazy dangerous job.
June 30, 2026 at 3:16 AM
Helitack Firefighting remains a crazy dangerous job.
🚁 75 FEET UP EMERGENCY.
Friday morning in San Jose, a palm tree trimmer suffered a medical emergency while suspended high above the ground.
CAL FIRE’s Alma Helitack lowered a firefighter into the tree, secured the worker, and brought both down safely after more than an hour of precise aerial work.
Friday morning in San Jose, a palm tree trimmer suffered a medical emergency while suspended high above the ground.
CAL FIRE’s Alma Helitack lowered a firefighter into the tree, secured the worker, and brought both down safely after more than an hour of precise aerial work.
April 27, 2026 at 2:42 AM
🚁 75 FEET UP EMERGENCY.
Friday morning in San Jose, a palm tree trimmer suffered a medical emergency while suspended high above the ground.
CAL FIRE’s Alma Helitack lowered a firefighter into the tree, secured the worker, and brought both down safely after more than an hour of precise aerial work.
Friday morning in San Jose, a palm tree trimmer suffered a medical emergency while suspended high above the ground.
CAL FIRE’s Alma Helitack lowered a firefighter into the tree, secured the worker, and brought both down safely after more than an hour of precise aerial work.
We're honored to receive recognition from Sikorsky at #Verticon2025 for our helicopter team's efforts during the Southern California wildfires in January 2025.
Our CAL FIRE helicopter crews logged over 240 hours of flight time, day and night.
#aerialfirefighting #helicopterpilot #pilot #helitack
Our CAL FIRE helicopter crews logged over 240 hours of flight time, day and night.
#aerialfirefighting #helicopterpilot #pilot #helitack
March 14, 2025 at 7:03 PM
We're honored to receive recognition from Sikorsky at #Verticon2025 for our helicopter team's efforts during the Southern California wildfires in January 2025.
Our CAL FIRE helicopter crews logged over 240 hours of flight time, day and night.
#aerialfirefighting #helicopterpilot #pilot #helitack
Our CAL FIRE helicopter crews logged over 240 hours of flight time, day and night.
#aerialfirefighting #helicopterpilot #pilot #helitack
🇨🇴 Firefighters from Colombia visited CAL FIRE’s Columbia Helitack Base near Sonora, CA to learn more about how CAL FIRE uses helicopters for aerial firefighting, water drops, and rescue operations.
#CALFIRE #InternationalPartnership #WildfireResponse #Aviation
#CALFIRE #InternationalPartnership #WildfireResponse #Aviation
July 16, 2026 at 5:30 PM
🇨🇴 Firefighters from Colombia visited CAL FIRE’s Columbia Helitack Base near Sonora, CA to learn more about how CAL FIRE uses helicopters for aerial firefighting, water drops, and rescue operations.
#CALFIRE #InternationalPartnership #WildfireResponse #Aviation
#CALFIRE #InternationalPartnership #WildfireResponse #Aviation
The Boggs Mountain Helitack crew (C606) completes a training drop on a hillside above Lake Sonoma, Wednesday, as a major winter storm builds on the horizon. @pressdemo.bsky.social @calfire.bsky.social
February 13, 2025 at 12:39 AM
The Boggs Mountain Helitack crew (C606) completes a training drop on a hillside above Lake Sonoma, Wednesday, as a major winter storm builds on the horizon. @pressdemo.bsky.social @calfire.bsky.social
This “significantly enhances the rapid, aggressive response needed to save lives and protect our natural resources” — @governor.ca.gov Gavin Newsom
🔗
🔗
Governor Newsom announces expansion of the world’s largest civilian aerial firefighting fleet: deployment of fourth C-130 H airtanker and new helitack base | Governor of California
www.gov.ca.gov
June 4, 2026 at 11:26 PM
This “significantly enhances the rapid, aggressive response needed to save lives and protect our natural resources” — @governor.ca.gov Gavin Newsom
🔗
🔗
“The three victims were assigned to a Helitack crew that can be dropped into remote areas by helicopters and whose mission is to prevent new fires from growing into out-of-control blazes. But it can be extremely dangerous, often taking place in areas where fires are rapidly expanding.”
Sydney Watson, a wildland firefighter from Warrior, Alabama, was killed alongside two crew members over the weekend while battling a fast-moving wildfire on the Colorado-Utah border. The tragedy occurred amid extreme fire dangers across the West. More below 🔗📻 #APR
Alabama firefighter killed in effort to contain blaze on the Colorado/Utah border
Three firefighters killed over the weekend in a wildfire along the Colorado-Utah border were trying to shield themselves from flames by deploying tent-like shelters when they were overcome, authorities said. One of the victims was from Alabama.
www.apr.org
June 30, 2026 at 3:57 PM
“The three victims were assigned to a Helitack crew that can be dropped into remote areas by helicopters and whose mission is to prevent new fires from growing into out-of-control blazes. But it can be extremely dangerous, often taking place in areas where fires are rapidly expanding.”
From the air, helicopters drop water. On the ground, crews cut fireline with hand tools and I chainsaws. They can even hoist patients out of remote emergencies.
CAL FIRE operates 11 helitack bases statewide—bringing rapid response wherever it’s needed.
CAL FIRE operates 11 helitack bases statewide—bringing rapid response wherever it’s needed.
August 17, 2025 at 5:38 PM
From the air, helicopters drop water. On the ground, crews cut fireline with hand tools and I chainsaws. They can even hoist patients out of remote emergencies.
CAL FIRE operates 11 helitack bases statewide—bringing rapid response wherever it’s needed.
CAL FIRE operates 11 helitack bases statewide—bringing rapid response wherever it’s needed.
We had a fire spring up here. Helitack crews showed up about instantly and were able to stomp it out. The volunteers here are awesome! Some of the local rough stock on the porch the interloper who considering the shape his tail feathers are in it seems apropos to name him or her "Lucky" #photography
August 2, 2025 at 5:58 AM
We had a fire spring up here. Helitack crews showed up about instantly and were able to stomp it out. The volunteers here are awesome! Some of the local rough stock on the porch the interloper who considering the shape his tail feathers are in it seems apropos to name him or her "Lucky" #photography
CAL FIRE crews and our partners are working hard to keep new fires small - CAL FIRE strives to keep 95% of wildland fires to 10 acres or less. But we can’t do it alone.
One less spark, means one less wildfire.
🖖@calfirelnu.bsky.social
youtube.com/shorts/MVPWa...
One less spark, means one less wildfire.
🖖@calfirelnu.bsky.social
youtube.com/shorts/MVPWa...
Boggs Mountain Helitack on the Idria Fire
YouTube video by CAL FIRE LNU (Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit)
youtube.com
May 20, 2025 at 2:30 AM
CAL FIRE crews and our partners are working hard to keep new fires small - CAL FIRE strives to keep 95% of wildland fires to 10 acres or less. But we can’t do it alone.
One less spark, means one less wildfire.
🖖@calfirelnu.bsky.social
youtube.com/shorts/MVPWa...
One less spark, means one less wildfire.
🖖@calfirelnu.bsky.social
youtube.com/shorts/MVPWa...