GLENN COUNTY, Calif. – CAL FIRE helitack crews will conduct water hoist rescue training at Stony Gorge Reservoir on Wednesday, April 15. This high-visibility exercise is a critical component of the department’s 90-hour Air Rescue Day Hoist course and will feature multiple helicopters and flight crews practicing over open water.
The training focuses on the technical skills and teamwork required to perform life-saving rescues. In these high-stakes missions, success depends on timing, communication, and precision.
A Legacy of Safety
The CAL FIRE Air Rescue program was born out of a commitment to “rescue our own.” The foundation of the current standardized curriculum was established following the 1987 Kneeland Helitack burnover, a tragic incident that claimed the life of Firefighter Denis Lee Cullins. What began as a vital internal safety capability has evolved into a rescue resource for the state of California, providing a lifeline for civilians and first responders alike in the most challenging environments.
Course Overview
This 90-hour course serves as the standard for all CAL FIRE air rescue crews. Currently in its second week, the training is moving through scenario-based flights. The course will culminate in a final exam where trainees must complete complex, real-world scenarios in diverse terrain, simulating the dynamic conditions of an actual emergency.
Public Notice
Residents and visitors in the Stony Gorge Reservoir area may notice an increase in low-flying aircraft and helicopter activity throughout the day. These exercises are essential for building the muscle memory and technical proficiency required to maintain CAL FIRE’s mission-ready status and ensure the safety of the public.