During a recent wildfire in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, residents were fleeing as aerial firefighter Diego Calderoni was bravely descending towards the flames at a speed of approximately 170 mph in a DC-10 jet. With 13 years of experience and relying on his instincts, Calderoni maneuvered his 37-year-old passenger plane into a canyon to release fire retardant between a group of firefighters and a wall of 60-foot flames. His precise drop provided the ground crew with the opportunity to save a nearby house.
Calderoni is just one of many pilots from across the United States and Canada who have rushed to Los Angeles to battle the fires that have devastated the city, claiming lives and destroying countless homes and neighborhoods. While tankers and helicopters can help slow down fires, it is the ground crews armed with hand tools and hoses who ultimately contain them.
For aerial firefighters like Calderoni, hitting the target is the most crucial aspect of the job, relying solely on their vision and experience. There are no high-tech instruments or autopilot systems for fire drops—it’s all about the pilot’s instincts and skills.
Despite his extensive experience flying over various fires, Calderoni was still shocked by the widespread destruction he encountered in Los Angeles. Describing it as resembling a war zone, he expressed his disbelief at the devastation.
In the midst of their daily runs in Los Angeles, Calderoni and other tanker pilots face challenging conditions such as updrafts, downdrafts, and strong crosswinds. Safety is paramount, and pilots have the authority to abort a mission if they feel it is too risky.
Meanwhile, helicopter captain Sean Ketchum is among the few Cal Fire firefighters trained to operate at night using night-vision goggles. With a passion for firefighting from a young age, Ketchum finds joy in the urgency and excitement of his work, coordinating closely with ground crews and other aircraft to combat fires.
Mike Evans, a seasoned helicopter pilot with experience in air rescue and firefighting, acknowledges the calculated risks involved in fire bombing but emphasizes the intense pressure faced by pilots and aerial crews as they make critical decisions in perilous situations.
He stated, “If we make a mistake, it can result in loss of life.” (Reporting by Dan Catchpole; Editing by Joe Brock and Sandra Maler)
