Carmel Valley Helibase important tool in firefight

Since the Soberanes Fire started over a week ago, Central Coast roads have been filled with fire vehicles. They travel by air, as well.

The helicopters are stationed in Carmel Valley, just to the east of the northern fire lines. It’s designated as the Carmel Valley Helibase, known locally as the Carmel Valley Airport. Since the Soberanes Fire started 8 days ago, Cal Fire has used it as its main base for helicopters fighting the more than 45-square mile wildfire. The base currently supports 14 firefighting helicopters, and it’s not the first time this location has helped out.

“The area itself, it’s very limited where you can find an area to put as
many helicopters as we need for this operation,” said Helibase manager, Tim Perkins. “Carmel Valley airstrip hasbeen used in the past to fight fires and because of the location of thefire, we can get rotor-wing in the air and get them to the fire quickly.”

Most of the choppers are used to pick up water to drop on fire lines. A few help scout the fire’s locations. Cal Fire will continue to use the Carmel Valley location for as long as support is needed on the ground.

Neighbors of the air strip have no complaints aboutthe noise. They’re just grateful that pilots and firefighters are willing to put their lives onthe line.