The San Diego region's ability to fight wildfires by air has improved since last year's fire storm. However, many fire fighting aircraft can't fly in windy or dark conditions. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has more.
Ron Serabia coordinates aircraft for Cal Fire out of Ramona's ariport. He says three air tankers were on their way to Campo's Shockey Fire early this morning. He says they hit turbulence that caused their planes to drop 500 feet a minute.
Serabia says they did reach the fire and dropped water. But, the pilots grounded themselves because of 55 miles per hour wind gusts.
Ron Serabia: If you've ever flown a commercial airplane you know what I am talking about. When they put the seat belt sign on and say we're experiencing some turbulence. You think the plane is coming apart. They're hitting some gusty winds that exceed what the aircraft should be flying through.
Serabia says Cal Fire planes still won't fly at night. Though, the two City of San Diego helicopters can. The state has trained 18 more spotters this season. Too few spotters last year prevented some aircraft from flying.
Amy Isackson, KPBS news.
