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Cal Fire trains Monterey County agencies in new fire fighting technique

Hazards post a problem for firefighters. Mountainous terrain stops trucks from getting close, and California’s drought is a challenge, more than just dry conditions.

“Generally the helicopter is going to use a water source, like a pond, to pull out of, but due to drought
conditions, water supply is limited. So we are having to pull from the fire engine,” Rich Baier, Fire Captain and Paramedic with Cal Fire, said.

Cal Fire has been training in this “ground fill” operation for around three years. Tuesday, training Monterey County agencies.

“Making sure its flat, keeping the area clear and free of people. Making sure there is no foreign object debris,” Baier said.

This would have been a major help two years ago. The Soberanes Fire burned more than 130 thousand acres and destroyed 57 homes, at it moves through the mountains of the Big Sur coast.

“Access for Soberanes Fire was a big problem. Water supply was a big problem. So for this specific situation, we could see something like this being implemented,” Captain Dale Williams with Monterey County Regional Fire District, said.

Tuesday’s Ground Fill drill means we have more options – ready for the next spark.

“We try to get as close as we can to minimize flight time, down time. so they can get back to the fire. Sight driven. Where can we get the water tenders in and land the helicopters safely,” Cal Fire Battalion Chief Mike Meddles, said.

Fire engines hold up to 500 gallons of water. The water tenders can hold roughly three thousand to four thousand gallons.

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