Welcome to this special episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, covering the 2025 Los Angeles firestorm. This podcast is brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine.

In this special episode, we talk with Hangar Z alumnus and L.A. County fire pilot Mike Sagely about the recent wildfire disaster that has swept through Los Angeles. Mike is a dedicated L.A. County fire pilot on the front lines, who will shed light on this urgent and devastating situation.

Over this past week, the Palisades Fire erupted in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, growing rapidly to over 23,700 acres. Tragically, that fire has damaged or destroyed nearly 1,500 structures. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire ignited near a canyon north of downtown Los Angeles, escalating to 14,117 acres and damaging or destroying more than 3,000 structures. The fires have reportedly claimed the lives of at least 24 people.

Join us as we unpack the aviation response to this devastating event and explore the incredible challenges firefighters face battling wind- and terrain-driven wildland fire. Mike will share invaluable insights on managing air operations under extreme weather conditions, from the critical forecasting and staffing adjustments made in anticipation of the fires to the complexities encountered during the initial attack and ongoing efforts.

We’ll discuss the emotional toll on firefighters, the vital role of mutual aid resources, and the strategic decision-making required to combat these wildfires effectively. Plus, hear about the impacts of drones on firefighting operations and the importance of community support and public awareness in promoting safety.

Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Robinson Helicopter and Astronautics Corporation of America.