🚁 MEET THE HELITORCH. The helitorch is one of the specialized tools CAL FIRE uses to safely ignite prescribed burns in steep or hard to reach terrain. During the Whittle Prescribed Burn in Calaveras County, this aerial ignition tool helped firefighters complete a 106-acre project designed to reduce wildfire risk and strengthen the health of the surrounding landscape. Prescribed fire projects like this one clear excess brush, improve wildlife habitat by removing invasive plant species and overgrowth, and lower the intensity of future wildfires. Carefully planned, safely executed — and proven to protect communities. #CALFIRE #GoodFire #PrescribedBurn #CalaverasCounty