Video: SDG&E’s Aircrane Facing Challenging Fire Season in San Diego

Video: SDG&E’s Aircrane Facing Challenging Fire Season in San Diego

Editor’s note: On August 1, 2018, KGTV 10 News visited Gillespie Field to learn more about how our Aircrane operates and the role it plays in fighting wildfire. With fire season being a year-long season, we have arranged for the Aircrane to remain in San Diego 365 days a year to protect our community from wildfire.

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Crews who pilot San Diego Gas & Electric's Skycrane helicopter said this fire season has been one of the most challenging yet.

The aircraft, based at Gillespie Field in El Cajon, has been a valuable firefighting tool in San Diego County over the years as it can be anywhere in the region within minutes and is equipped to handle large-scale fires.

Capt. Andy Thomas described how the Skycrane crew operates during a wildfire: "One pilot is actually doing the flying and he's talking either to the person on the ground or the person in air attack, and then the other pilot is doing all the other radio work." Read the full article here.