Rutledge Airborne reported that one of its Single Engine Air Tankers took gunfire during firefighting operations near Chester, California, on August 16, 2026. The aircraft suffered damage but remained fully controllable. The pilot landed safely without injuries.
The company is working closely with local and federal law enforcement as they investigate the incident. This attack highlights the risks faced by aerial firefighting crews every day.
Rutledge Airborne calls aerial firefighting a calling and stresses the important role its crews play in protecting lives and property. The company values its team members and praises the quick response from authorities to maintain safety and operational effectiveness.
How can communities better support the people who put themselves in harm’s way to fight wildfires? Protecting these crews is essential for everyone’s safety.
