The low-pitched droning of a speeding helicopter can strike fear into the hearts of the residents of the Anza Valley during the hot summer months of fire season. Instantly, they search the skies for smoke and check social media for emergency alerts.Most times if there is a local blaze, the flames are attacked by Cal Fire’s expert Helitack crews, and often by Fire Attack Helicopter 301, one of the agency’s UH-1H Super Hueys. The vibrant red and white colors are unmistakable as the copter dips water from nearby sources, such as Lake Riverside Estates’ 55-acre lake, and drops it on the flames.Manufactured by Bell Helicopters for the United States Army, these aircraft served from 1963 to 1975. They were used as troop and cargo transport and also for specialized operations.In
