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    Plaskett Fire Air Operations [Image 44 of 62]

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    A firefighting helicopter is conducting aerial water-dropping operations over a forested hillside engulfed in a wildfire. The helicopter is carrying an orange bambi bucket suspended by a long cable, actively releasing water onto the burning vegetation below. Heavy smoke fills the atmosphere, significantly reducing visibility across the scene.

    BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

    08.30.2026

    Photo by Andrew Avitt 

    U.S. Forest Service   

    A Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter drops water drawn from the Pacific Ocean on the Plaskett Fire near the Pacific Valley Fire Station in the Los Padres National Forest near Big Sur, California, Aug. 30, 2026. (Forest Service photo by Andrew Avitt)

    IMAGE INFO

    Date Taken: 08.30.2026
    Date Posted: 09.01.2026 22:11
    Photo ID: 9902288
    VIRIN: 260830-P-NM884-1192
    Resolution: 7680x5120
    Size: 7.68 MB
    Location: BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA, US
    Web Views: 5
    Downloads: 0

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    This work, Plaskett Fire Air Operations [Image 62 of 62], by Andrew Avitt, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

    GALLERY

    A wildfire burns on a steep coastal hillside, with smoke rising visibly from multiple points on the mountain slope. Emergency response vehicles, including yellow fire trucks, are staged on a narrow coastal highway that winds along dramatic sea cliffs above the Pacific Ocean. The scene depicts an active firefighting operation along what appears to be a rugged California coastline.
    A misty, forested hillside dominates the scene with dense coniferous trees extending up toward a fog-covered ridgeline. In the lower right foreground, a wooden structure (house or cabin) is partially visible among the trees, accompanied by a green vehicle on a dirt path. The overall atmosphere is overcast and hazy, suggesting a coastal or Pacific Northwest environment.
    Two helicopters are parked on a dry grass field in a mountainous area, likely serving as a staging or base camp for aerial operations. The foreground helicopter is white and red, while the second is predominantly blue with red and white markings. A person is visible near the second helicopter, and additional aircraft and equipment are visible in the background.
    A large hillside or mountain slope shows extensive wildfire burn damage, with the majority of vegetation reduced to ash and charred remnants. Multiple columns of smoke are still rising from smoldering areas across the slope, indicating the fire is recently extinguished or still partially active. A red fire truck is visible on a road at the lower right, suggesting active firefighting or post-fire monitoring operations.
    Multiple helicopters are parked on a dry grass field in a mountainous, hilly landscape under a partly cloudy sky. The foreground features a dark blue helicopter with a yellow warning placard and rotor blades tied down, while two red-and-white helicopters are visible in the background. The setting and configuration suggest a temporary staging or base camp area, possibly for firefighting or aerial operations.
    A green US Forest Service truck belonging to the Arroyo Grande Flight Crew is parked in a rural, hilly landscape. The vehicle, identified as CA-LPF-H527, has an orange windsock mounted on top and two personnel working at the rear of the truck. The setting appears to be a staging or operational area in a California wildland environment.
    A worker wearing a Phos-Chek branded red uniform stands atop a large red fire retardant tanker truck, managing hoses. An American flag is mounted on the vehicle alongside a red wind sock and fire retardant branding banner. A large firefighting helicopter, consistent with a Sikorsky Skycrane type, is visible in the background sky.
    A nighttime forest fire photograph captured with a long exposure technique. Ground-level flames and embers are visible along the forest floor, with large tree trunks illuminated by intense orange firelight from the right side. A blue light trail, consistent with a flashlight or torch moved during a long-exposure shot, is visible in the mid-ground.
    Two helicopters are parked on a dry grassy field in a hilly, semi-arid landscape. The foreground helicopter is white and orange with rotor blades visible, while a blue and red helicopter is parked in the background. A person and a green ladder are visible near the foreground helicopter, suggesting maintenance or inspection activity.
    A firefighter is battling a wildfire at night in a forested area, directing a water hose toward advancing flames on a hillside. The fire is spreading along the ground and through the trees, producing intense orange glow, embers, and smoke. A structure appears faintly visible in the background to the right.
    A red firefighting helicopter identified as 'Siller' with tail number N4036S and designation '35S' is captured in flight over a densely forested hillside. The helicopter, consistent with a Sikorsky S-64 Aircrane or similar heavy-lift type, is actively dispensing what appears to be red fire retardant from a hose beneath its belly tank. The background shows a green, tree-covered mountain slope under clear skies.
    A wildfire burns intensely through a forested hillside at night, with flames and orange glow visible between tree trunks. In the foreground, an unmanned fire hose with a metal nozzle/coupling lies on scorched ground, indicating active firefighting operations. The scene depicts a close-range firefighting position with the fire line visible just uphill.
    A nighttime wildfire burns intensely on a forested hillside, illuminating the sky with orange and yellow flames and thick smoke. A line of emergency vehicles with red and white lights is staged on a road in the foreground, with personnel visible near the vehicles. The scene depicts an active firefighting response operation at night.
    A large wildfire burns across a hillside or mountain slope at night, casting an intense orange-red glow across the sky and surrounding smoke clouds. The fire appears to span a wide front along the ridge line, with multiple active flame points visible. A road and a flag on a pole are visible in the foreground silhouette.
    A firefighting helicopter, marked with green and white livery and the number '4VG', is hovering low over a dry grassy field while connected to a red water tank or dip tank on the ground. The helicopter appears to be a Sikorsky S-76 or similar medium-lift aircraft equipped with a belly-mounted water tank for aerial firefighting operations. The scene suggests an active wildfire suppression operation or a refilling/staging operation in a rural, oak-woodland environment.
    A glass window or whiteboard at what appears to be a wildfire or emergency incident command post displays handwritten operational assignments, unit identifiers, and numbered slots. The writing lists aircraft (Crane, Chinook) and ground units (Hawks, DMC, Pepper, Chooon, Arroyo, Ynez) with radio frequencies and position numbers. Through the glass, a field staging area is visible with white vehicles and what appears to be a helicopter in the background.
    A firefighting helicopter is visible in the background of an open field, appearing to be near a portable water tank or dip tank on the ground. In the foreground, a large red water/retardant tank (likely mounted on a vehicle or trailer) is prominently visible but out of focus. The scene suggests a wildfire aerial operations staging area, with the helicopter equipped with a water bucket.
    A nighttime wildfire burns intensely through a wooded area, casting the scene in deep orange and amber light. A single silhouetted figure, appearing to be a firefighter based on visible gear and helmet, stands amid the burning landscape. Ground fire and heavy smoke are visible throughout the tree line.
    A nighttime emergency response scene showing firefighters and emergency vehicles staged along a road, with visible fire or intense orange glow illuminating trees in the background. Multiple fire trucks and personnel in protective gear are visible on what appears to be a wildfire or structure fire response. The scene is lit primarily by emergency vehicle lights and the ambient glow of the fire.
    A large-scale wildfire burning through a forested area at night, with intense orange and red flames consuming the ground vegetation and illuminating the tree trunks. The fire appears to be spreading along the forest floor with significant smoke and ember activity visible. The dramatic low-angle shot captures the scale and intensity of the blaze against a dark sky.
    A male technician is performing maintenance on a helicopter, standing on a ladder to access the rotor head assembly at the top of the aircraft. The helicopter has a blue and red metallic finish and appears to be parked on an open airfield with mountains visible in the background. The image is taken during daylight hours with warm, golden lighting suggesting early morning or late afternoon.
    A firefighter is battling an intense wildfire in a forested area at night, directing a water hose toward towering flames engulfing the trees. The scene is dramatically lit by the orange glow of the fire, with embers visibly flying through the air. The firefighter is positioned close to the fire line, using tree trunks as partial cover while operating the hose.
    The image depicts an active wildfire burning through a forested area at night or in low-light conditions. Intense orange and red flames illuminate the scene, consuming ground vegetation and spreading among tree trunks. The foreground shows glowing embers and smoldering ground cover, with broad-leafed plants silhouetted against the fire.
    A male aviation mechanic is performing maintenance work on what appears to be a blue aircraft. He is wearing black gloves, a gray shirt, and a camouflage baseball cap, and is closely inspecting or working on a component using a screwdriver-like tool. The setting appears to be outdoors on a clear day at an airfield or maintenance area.
    A wildfire is actively burning on a steep coastal hillside, with visible flames and heavy smoke rising from multiple points along the slope. Emergency response vehicles, including yellow fire trucks, are staged along a coastal highway at the base of the hill. The scene appears to be along a rugged Pacific Coast highway, likely in California, with the ocean visible at lower left.
    A nighttime photograph showing road signs for Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, illuminated by an ominous red-orange glow consistent with a nearby wildfire. A 'PARK CLOSED' banner is prominently displayed below the directional sign, along with a 'NO FIREWORKS' warning. The dark sky and reddish atmospheric lighting suggest an active fire emergency in the area.
    A group of six personnel wearing matching black uniforms with circular patches walk together along a paved road in what appears to be a staging or base camp area. The setting features rolling hills, a clear blue sky, and large tanker trucks visible in the background, suggesting a wildfire or emergency response operation. The group appears relaxed and conversational, likely returning from or heading to an assignment.
    A firefighter is photographed at night while actively monitoring a wildfire. The individual is equipped with a helmet-mounted headlamp and is holding a two-way radio, suggesting coordination with other personnel. Active flames and smoke are visible in the background among trees and brush.
    A USDA Forest Service fire engine (unit CA-LPF-E374, Los Alamos) is positioned in the foreground facing an active wildfire burning on a steep, brush-covered hillside. Smoke is visibly rising from multiple points along the slope, indicating an ongoing wildfire response operation. The vehicle belongs to the Los Padres National Forest division of the U.S. Forest Service.
    A firefighter is silhouetted against an intense wildfire burning through a forested area at night. The firefighter is carrying a hose and appears to be moving through the fire perimeter as flames and embers surround tall trees. The scene is dramatically lit entirely by the orange glow of the fire, creating extreme contrast between the dark foreground and the blazing background.
    A large red and cream firefighting helicopter is hovering low over a dry grassy field, actively drawing water through a snorkel/hose from a red portable water tank on the ground. The helicopter appears to be a heavy-lift type, likely a Sikorsky S-64 Aircrane or similar model, equipped with a belly-mounted water tank system. The setting suggests a wildfire suppression operation in a rural or semi-rural area with dry vegetation and oak trees in the background.
    A firefighting operation is underway, showing a person in red standing on top of a red fire truck with an American flag visible. In the background, a red firefighting helicopter (numbered 355) is hovering nearby, with a hose or snorkel attachment visible beneath it. The scene appears to be an aerial water-drop coordination effort in a wildland or wildland-urban interface firefighting context.
    A firefighter in silhouette is actively battling a large wildfire in a forested area at night. The firefighter is directing a water hose toward the flames while surrounded by intensely burning trees and flying embers. The scene is dramatically lit by the orange glow of the fire, creating a high-contrast, dangerous working environment.
    A male technician or mechanic is performing maintenance work on the rotor head assembly of a blue helicopter, viewed from a low angle looking upward. The helicopter features several insignia decals including what appears to be a US Army Corps of Engineers shield emblem and an American flag. The image is taken from ground level, providing a dramatic perspective of both the worker and the rotor hub mechanism.
    A large wildfire is burning in close proximity to residential structures at night. The sky is illuminated in intense orange and red hues from the flames, which are consuming trees and vegetation on a hillside directly behind the buildings. The structures appear to be in immediate danger as the fire front advances toward them.
    A red firefighting helicopter, appearing to be a Sikorsky S-64 Aircrane (Erickson Air-Crane), hovers in the sky with a water/retardant snorkel hose dangling beneath it. In the foreground, a firefighter in red gear stands atop a red fire apparatus, with an American flag visible nearby. The scene suggests an active wildfire suppression operation.
    A nighttime wildfire is actively burning through a forested area, with intense orange and yellow flames illuminating the tree trunks and ground. The fire appears to be spreading along the forest floor with multiple ignition points visible. Dense smoke rises above the canopy, and glowing embers are scattered across the scene.
    A male technician or mechanic is performing maintenance or a pre-flight inspection on a blue helicopter, gripping one of the main rotor blades. The image is taken from a low angle looking up at the rotor head assembly, providing a detailed view of the mechanical components. The worker is wearing a gray uniform shirt with a logo patch, a camouflage cap, sunglasses, and black gloves.
    A large wildfire burns intensely through a dense forest at night or in low-light conditions. Tall, large-diameter trees are silhouetted against a vivid orange and red glow from active flames consuming the forest floor and understory. Smoke fills the atmosphere, creating a hazy, ominous backdrop illuminated entirely by firelight.
    A firefighter in full protective gear holds a fire hose while battling an active wildfire at night. Flames are visible in the background among trees, with a small outbuilding or shed nearby that appears to be at risk. The scene is dramatically lit by the orange glow of the fire.
    Multiple helicopters are parked on a dry grass field in a mountainous, hilly landscape, likely serving as a staging or base camp area. The foreground features a dark blue helicopter with rotor blades visible, while additional red-and-white helicopters are visible in the background. Low-lying clouds or smoke fill the valley between the hills, suggesting possible wildfire operations or emergency response activity.
    A firefighter stands in silhouette against an intense wildfire burning through a forested area at night or in low-light conditions. The fire is actively burning along the ground and among tall trees, with heavy orange-tinted smoke filling the atmosphere. The firefighter appears to be holding a tool, likely a hose or hand tool, while monitoring or working the fire line.
    A nighttime emergency response scene showing a group of firefighters or wildland fire crew walking down a road carrying tools, including a visible Pulaski axe/mattock. The scene is illuminated by vehicle headlights, taillights, and what appears to be fire glow in the background. A white pickup truck is visible on the right side of the road amid smoky, hazy conditions.
    A firefighting helicopter is conducting aerial water-dropping operations over a forested hillside engulfed in a wildfire. The helicopter is carrying an orange bambi bucket suspended by a long cable, actively releasing water onto the burning vegetation below. Heavy smoke fills the atmosphere, significantly reducing visibility across the scene.
    A wildland firefighter in standard yellow Nomex gear is working on a smoke-filled road covered in debris, likely near a hillside or cliff face. The firefighter is actively pulling or advancing a yellow fire hose toward a smoke source. The scene suggests an active wildfire or post-rockslide fire situation along a paved two-lane road.
    A crew of wildland firefighters is working on a hillside, carrying tools and equipment. The foreground shows a firefighter carrying a chainsaw on their shoulder, while others carry hand tools such as axes and shovels. The crew is wearing standard wildland firefighting gear including Nomex suits, hard hats, and protective equipment.
    A wildland firefighter wearing standard yellow Nomex fire-resistant gear and a yellow hard hat marked 'C2' is using a Pulaski axe-hoe tool to cut a firebreak on a steep, dry hillside. The worker appears to be part of a hand crew performing line construction or mop-up operations near a highway overpass or bridge visible in the background. The terrain is covered in dry, dead brush consistent with fire-prone chaparral vegetation.
    A green California fire department truck (marked CA-LPF E574) is traveling along a narrow mountain road that has debris scattered across it, suggesting a recent rockslide or landslide. The road runs alongside a steep rocky cliff face with smoke or dust visible in the background. The scene indicates an active emergency response situation in a rugged coastal or mountain terrain.
    A tandem-rotor helicopter, consistent with a CH-47 Chinook type, is flying over a rugged coastal landscape while carrying a suspended firefighting water bucket (helibucket) on a long line. The scene appears to depict aerial firefighting or water-scooping operations near a rocky coastline. A second, smaller aircraft is faintly visible in the background to the right.
    A close-up photograph of a leafy branch in autumn transition, showing leaves in various stages of color change from green to red-brown. The image uses shallow depth of field, keeping the foreground branch in sharp focus while the background foliage is softly blurred. The lighting appears to be natural daylight, highlighting the textured surfaces of the leaves.
    A wildfire burns on a heavily vegetated hillside, producing large plumes of white-gray smoke that obscure the upper portion of the mountain. In the foreground, three firefighters wearing yellow protective gear and hard hats are visible standing on the roof of a building, apparently monitoring the fire situation. The scene suggests an active wildfire response with structures potentially at risk.
    A large tandem-rotor helicopter, consistent with a Boeing CH-47 Chinook configuration, is flying through an overcast sky while carrying an orange firefighting water bucket suspended on a long line beneath it. The helicopter appears to be engaged in aerial firefighting operations, transporting the bambi bucket likely to or from a water source. The image is taken from a low angle looking upward.
    A crew of wildland firefighters wearing yellow Nomex protective gear and white hard hats are actively digging a fire line or containment trench in dry, brushy terrain. The workers are using hand tools including shovels and a Pulaski axe to clear vegetation and expose mineral soil. At least four crew members are visible, with dust rising from their digging activity.
    Two wildland firefighters in yellow protective gear are working on a steep hillside with an active wildfire visible in the background producing smoke on the mountain ridge. A highway overpass or bridge is visible in the valley below. The firefighters appear to be conducting vegetation clearing or fire line operations using a chainsaw.
    Three wildland firefighters in full protective gear are working on a dry, brush-covered hillside slope, digging and clearing vegetation likely to create a firebreak. The scene is set along a coastal highway, with a bridge, ocean, and rocky headland visible in the background. The workers are equipped with hand tools including shovels and appear to be part of a hotshot or hand crew operation.
    A tandem-rotor helicopter, consistent with a CH-47 Chinook design, is flying over a body of water while suspending a firefighting water bucket on a long cable. The bucket appears to be at or near the water surface, suggesting the helicopter is in the process of filling it. The scene is captured in hazy, overcast conditions with muted tones.
    A wildland firefighter in standard protective gear is running along a paved road while carrying a yellow fire hose. The scene is surrounded by smoke, scorched earth, and debris, indicating an active wildfire operation. The firefighter appears to be repositioning the hose line in response to fire conditions.
    A wildland firefighter wearing a white helmet marked 'C11' carries a STIHL chainsaw while moving across dry, grassy terrain. The worker is equipped with standard wildland firefighting gear including a yellow Nomex shirt, green pants, gloves, and a backpack with a fuel canister. Additional crew members are visible in the background, suggesting a coordinated fire suppression or fuel reduction operation.
    Two firefighters in yellow protective gear are positioned on a residential rooftop, carrying a fire hose to defend the structure from an approaching wildfire. A heavily forested hillside behind them is actively burning, with large plumes of gray-white smoke rising from multiple ignition points. The scene depicts a defensive firefighting operation to protect a home from an encroaching wildland fire.
    A large tandem-rotor helicopter (consistent with a Boeing CH-47 Chinook or similar heavy-lift aircraft) is conducting aerial firefighting operations over a forested hillside. The helicopter is deploying water from an orange Bambi bucket suspended by a long line, releasing a large cascade of water onto the burning vegetation below. The scene is heavily obscured by thick white and gray smoke rising from multiple active fire areas across the hillside.
    Two wildland firefighters wearing yellow hard hats marked 'E-317' are working together on what appears to be a reflective fire shelter or aluminum foil-like protective material on a surface. They are deploying or rolling out a cylindrical object, likely a hose or rolled material, on top of the reflective sheeting. Both workers are equipped with radios and wearing standard wildland firefighting gear.
    A tandem-rotor helicopter, consistent with a CH-47 Chinook design, is hovering over a coastal area while suspending a water bucket on a long line. The bucket appears to be dipping into or near the water's surface, suggesting a water-scooping operation likely associated with aerial firefighting. The scene is set against a hazy ocean backdrop with silhouetted coastal vegetation in the foreground.

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    Chinook helicopter
    water drop
    Big Sur
    aerial firefighting
    Boeing CH-47 Chinook
    Long line
    Los Padres National Forest
    usfs-wildfire
    Type 1 Helicopter
    wildfire suppression tactics
    Plaskett Fire
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