CalFire announces Aerial Firefighting Helitack Captain Academy training flights at Folsom Lake

According to a statement from CalFire, over the next two days, Folsom Lake will serve as the training ground for the CalFire Helitack Captain Academy. This threshold course marks a pivotal moment for company officers as they transition into one of the most dynamic and high-risk roles in the department.

The mission: What is Helitack?
Like a fire engine delivers firefighters to a blaze and supports them with water, a CalFire Firehawk helicopter does the same from the sky.

In a typical mission, a front seat Helitack captain sits in the front left seat coordinating with the pilot in the right, while the crew is staged in the back. Upon arrival — often in terrain inaccessible to engines — the crew deploys to the ground to fight the fire head-on, while the helicopter provides immediate overhead support with water drops.

What the public can expect
Residents near Folsom Lake should be prepared for increased aerial activity from March 13 to 15, as CalFire helicopters and airtankers operate daily from 8 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m.

While there is no live fire, the community may see simulated smoke and trained personnel on the ground practicing real-world scenarios. All training operations are FAA-approved and adhere to safety regulations to ensure the well-being of the public and our crews.

Why this training matters
To prepare a new Helitack captain for the “left seat,” CalFire must simulate the challenging live fire environment as closely as possible. In these high-stakes environments, these officers monitor multiple radio channels and communicate with ground crews and other aircraft simultaneously.

By testing these leaders in a live-action setting before they face an actual wildfire, we ensure they possess the split-second decision-making and communication skills required to keep our crews and communities safe.

CalFire appreciates the public’s support as we prepare our Helitack captains for this high-risk role.

Click here to learn more about the CalFire Aviation Program.

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