08/28/2026
Effective multi agency coordination was on full display tonight in Ferndale as Ferndale Fire Department hosted an air to ground integration training exercise alongside crews from the Rio Dell Fire Department and officers from the Ferndale Police Department.
The highlight of the evening was the tactical demonstration and briefing provided by Cal Fire’s Kneeland Helitack crew, who arrived on scene with Copter 604, a S-70i Firehawk Type 1 helicopter. Joint training exercises like tonight's are critical for building seamless cross department communication and maintaining operational readiness across Humboldt County during active fire seasons.
Key Operational Takeaways & Safety Standards.
Rigorous Landing Zone (LZ) Protocols & FOG Checks: Safety at the LZ begins long before an aircraft touches down. Participating agencies reviewed mandatory perimeter security and thoroughly conducted Foreign Objects on the Ground (FOG) sweeps. In addition to removing routine loose debris, personnel focused on hazard identification, specifically searching for overhead electrical lines, low hanging wire obstacles, and unmapped private zip lines that pose severe risks to low altitude rotorcraft operations.
Ground to Air Radio Frequency Management: Clear, decisive communication remains the highest priority during joint wildland and air operations. Instructors emphasized strict radio discipline, ensuring all ground crews monitor, answer, and transmit on the designated operational tactical frequencies to prevent frequency clutter and avoid dangerous miscommunications.
Firehawk Aircraft Dynamics & Tactical Drop Prep: Crews received direct instruction on water-tank drop preparation and safety margins when operating in active drop zones. The briefing detailed the crew configuration of the Firehawk, highlighting the 3 flight crew up front and the rear seated Crew Chief commanding a 7 person hand crew, ensuring ground officers understand onboard crew management and insertion capabilities during direct initial attack operations.
By drilling alongside local police and neighboring fire districts, our department continues to strengthen inter agency trust, refine shared tactical procedures, and ensure our emergency responders are fully prepared to act as a unified force when airborne assets are deployed in our community.
