Cal Fire's 'Heli-Torch' Used To Keep Rocky Fire From Spreading In Rugged Terrain

CLEARLAKE (CBS SF) -- Cal Fire was using their 'heli-torch' to light backfires in terrain so rugged it couldn't be reached by foot to keep the Rocky Fire from burning a roadway as the blaze burned in three Northern Bay Area counties.

The heli-torch is used to remove fuel from the area surrounding a fire to help prevent its spread.  A propane torch is suspended underneath the helicopter, and firefighters can pinpoint where they want to burn the vegetation.

By Monday, the Rocky Fire had grown to consume 60,000 acres, with just 12-percent containment.

The heli-torch can be seen in action in a YouTube video below.

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• California
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• Wildfires