Station Fire 2009

The U.S. Forest Service has received criticism for not utilizing night flying capability by partnering agencies during the evening of August 26 and early morning hours of the 27, 2009, on the Station Fire. As a result, the Forest Service identified this topic as an area to explore for potential use in the future. The Chief of the Forest Service has initiated a national assessment of night flying operations. The Forest Service stopped these operations in the early 1980s due to night flying accidents that resulted in fatalities. So far, the preliminary findings and options for rotor-wing aircraft are under review. Fixed wing night flying finding will be assessed during the winter of 2010 and 2011.

Dispatch, Aviation, Helicopters, Large Fire