California’s unofficial state birds. 🚁✈️ CAL FIRE operates the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet, with aircraft and aviation personnel supporting emergency response statewide. From air tankers to helicopters, CAL FIRE’s aviation fleet is equipped to support a wide range of missions. Highly trained pilots and aviation crews work closely with firefighters on the ground to deliver water and retardant, transport crews, support firing operations, conduct hoist rescues, and provide critical assistance throughout emergency response. #CALFIRE# #Aviation# #WildfireResponse# #Firefighting# #CaliforniaWildfires#

What happens when a wildfire outgrows a local response? When a wildfire grows large or becomes more complex, the local agency in charge may request support from a CAL FIRE Incident Management Team (IMT). So far this year, CAL FIRE IMTs have been activated 4 times to help manage complex incidents. The IMT steps in to take over the day-to-day management of the wildfire, coordinating personnel, aircraft, equipment, safety, and logistics from the agencies working together on the incident. This helps ensure the response stays organized while also allowing the local agency to keep its resources available for other emergencies, fires, and medical calls in its area. IMTs are made up of experienced firefighters and support staff who specialize in managing large, complex incidents and work together to keep the wildfire response coordinated, safe, and moving forward. #IncidentManagementTeams# #CALFIRE# #CaliforniaWildfires#