July 10, 2024 – CAL FIRE officials report that the Night Vision Goggle program allows CAL FIRE and partner pilots to continue the firefight beyond sunset. Extending the attack into the evening allows us to continue aerial operations when we often have the benefit of cooler temperatures and higher humidities.

As with all aerial operations, night flying presents risks. CAL FIRE’s number one priority is safety that's why our crews spend hundreds of hours in training while also making a measured assessment of conditions every time we fly.

CAL FIRE’s night flying practice has been put into play over the last few weeks, demonstrating that night flying can make a difference.

View video here.

Source: CAL FIRE