The Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit (SBCASU) will be conducting night operations training at Lauro Reservoir from about 7:30-11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9.

The project is being done in collaboration with Santa Barbara City Fire Department, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, and Santa Barbara City Public Works.

The collaborative training is part of the SBCASU’s ongoing preparedness efforts for night hover fill operations, which are critical for enhancing the region’s response to nighttime emergencies.

The exercise will evaluate lighting conditions, aircraft configuration, and operational safety protocols while utilizing Lauro Reservoir as a water source during night operations, SBCASU reports.

The Air Support Unit is a partnership between the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

Together, the agencies provide staffing to this all-hazard unit that responds to a variety of missions, including aerial firefighting, law enforcement calls, medical response and evacuation, and search and rescue.

The unit is staffed 365 days a year with highly trained firefighters, deputy sheriffs, and
professional pilots, and responds to emergencies within all jurisdictions in Santa Barbara
County.

To protect the environment, stringent measures to prevent the contamination of aquatic
invasive species will be followed, in accordance with national guidelines (NWCG PMS
444).

Additionally, the training will adhere to ICS 800 Night Flying Guidelines to ensure the highest standards of safety.

As far as impact on local residents, the county said people living near Lauro Reservoir may hear helicopter noise during the training window.

The Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit, Santa Barbara City Fire Department, Santa
Barbara Sheriff’s Office, and Santa Barbara City Public Works are working to minimize any disruptions.