Feds to allow night aerial firefighting in S Cal

After the huge blaze, the Forest Service was sharply criticized by residents who lost homes. Politicians clamored for changes, and government records opened questions about whether firefighting aircraft could have been ordered and deployed more quickly, including at night.

Tom Harbour, director of fire and aviation management for the Forest Service, said political pressure did not prompt the shift, which should have the helicopter in place no later than next June.