A CH-47 Chinook helicopter has returned to Paso Robles for its second fire season on the Central Coast, offering night-flying capabilities and rapid water refills. - The helicopter can carry 2,300 gallons of water and refill in 40 seconds.
- It is equipped for night operations using night vision goggles. - It is the only nighttime aerial firefighting asset in San Luis Obispo County.
- It has already been used for one fire this month in a neighboring county. The helicopter, operated by PJ Helicopters under a CAL FIRE contract, will be stationed until late October.