Chinook Helicopter Battles Chute Fire As Evacuation Orders Remain In California

Firefighters continued an aggressive day-and-night response to the Chute Fire, using both ground crews and aircraft to slow the fire’s spread while prioritizing the safety of the public and emergency personnel. At the time of the update, the fire had burned about 83.5 acres and was 1% contained. Evacuation orders and warnings remained in effect for nearby areas.

Video from the scene shows a large Chinook helicopter flying over steep, fire-scarred hills beneath a partly cloudy sky. Suspended beneath the aircraft, a red water bucket releases a long stream of water onto the active fire area below, where scorched trees and brush cover the rugged landscape.

A second clip captures the same Chinook helicopter maneuvering above rocky terrain dotted with both burned and green vegetation. The red bucket trails beneath the aircraft as it lines up for another water drop, while light smoke rises from canyon slopes in the distance.