Battling wildfires from above: Local pilot and Cal Fire captain provide insight

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Gillespie Field in San Diego County is the only joint heli-base in the state between a local sheriff’s department and CAL FIRE.

Fire pilot Warren Voth with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department and Cal Fire Capt. Zach Damon work together as a team when a wildland fire breaks out in the county.

“Every day is different than the last, so the thing is to be ready,” said Capt. Damon, who serves as the front seat captain with the role to always be communicating with the pilot.

Meanwhile, Voth is navigating the helicopter in and out of fire areas, looking for water sources and making drops. Each drop releases about 375 gallons of water.

“It’s a big balancing act. The helicopter can only lift so much and it’ll let you know when it can’t do it. It could let you know in a violent deadly way,” said Voth.

There are eight helicopters available to respond to vegetation fires in the county and two air tankers that have the ability to drop 1200 gallons of retardant with every drop.

“We have one air attack platform,” added Damon. “The air attack platform is a supervisor in the air. He’s the one coordinating any aeral assets on the fire.”

“The opportunity to fire fight, do rescues and provide a service for citizens of San Diego County — it’s an honor to do something like that, said Voth.

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