The Ventura County Department of Airports is sending this notice to inform our neighbors of increased helicopter activity. Some Ventura County residents may have noticed an increase in aircraft activity last night (July 23rd). The CH-47 Coulson Chinook and Ventura County Fire Department Copter 4 (Fire Hawk) were active most of the night in response to a brushfire in Apache Valley near Ojai. Both the Chinook and Fire Hawk made multiple trips to and from Camarillo Airport (CMA) for refueling.
For those who may be unaware, the Coulson Chinook is permanently based at CMA as a contracted partner with the Ventura County Aviation Unit. The Coulson carries a 3,000-gallon tank for water drops while the Fire Hawks, which are also based at CMA, carry 1,000-gallon tanks. The Ventura County Aviation Unit is operated through a partnership with the Ventura County Sherrif’s Office, Ventura County Fire Department, and Ventura County Department of Airports. This vital partnership provides Ventura County residents with quick and effective responses to natural disasters and to emergency medical rescues.
In addition to active response efforts, the Coulson Chinook sometimes conducts nighttime training operations. Concerns related to aircraft activity may be directed to the Department of Airports online at Public Portal (vector-us.com) or via phone message at (805) 947-6803.