During a recent wildfire in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles residents were fleeing the flames as aerial firefighter Diego Calderoni, flying a DC-10 jet at 170 mph, skillfully dropped fire retardant into the heart of the inferno. With 13 years of experience, Calderoni navigated his passenger jet through canyons, aiming the fire retardant between firefighters on the ground and towering flames, saving a nearby house in the process. Joining the ranks of numerous pilots from the U.S. and Canada, Calderoni rushed to Los Angeles to battle fires that have devastated the region, claiming lives and destroying homes.
In the challenging world of aerial firefighting, precision and experience are key. Pilots like Calderoni, part of 10 Tanker based in New Mexico, rely on their instincts and “feeling the force” to hit their targets accurately. With no sophisticated equipment or autopilot, it’s the pilot’s skill and viewpoint that guide them through perilous missions.
As wildfires rage on, pilots like Sean Ketchum of Cal Fire brave the elements, flying low over flames with a team of Firehawks to douse the fire with water. Ketchum, drawn to firefighting from a young age, relishes the thrill of coordinating with ground crews and other aircraft in the air. Meanwhile, Mike Evans, a seasoned pilot with experience in air rescue and firefighting, emphasizes the calculated risks taken during each firefighting mission.
In the face of danger and destruction, these aerial firefighters make split-second decisions under immense pressure to contain wildfires and protect lives and property.
“He says, ‘If we make an error, people tend to die.'” (Reporting by Dan Catchpole; Editing by Joe Brock and Sandra Maler)
