Not only did the forest service use the Halifax-Northampton Regional Airport for its air operations, it used the Davie Volunteer Fire Department for operations ranging from logistics to finance.

(Watch the video of the tanker plane at the end of this story)

The operation today was part of a weeklong preparation effort for the fall fire season, the service said in a press release, which sent 35 employees to classroom training at Medoc Mountain State Park and the airport.

The more than 100 people participating in today’s field exercise included forest service employees, emergency management and local volunteer fire departments. “The area was chosen for the exercise because of the need for large blocks of forestland and the potential for large fires,” the service said in the press release announcing the operation. “Training exercises help agencies prepare as a team and respond quickly and safely in the event of a wildfire.”

The objective of the operation, said Billy Lewis, Region II public information officer, was to contain two large fires.

The lead plane makes a sweep.

One fire was called the Skinner Fire, north of Jessie Shearin Road and west of the Odell Littleton Road, south of Highway 158 and east of John Skinner Road.

The other fire was called the Fishel Fire, which was north of Highway 158 and just west of Eaton Ferry Road, south of Flemming Mill Road and east of Church Hill Road.

Michael Kidd, a captain with the Davie Volunteer Fire Department, carried Warren County commissioners to the Skinner fire scenario, where forest rangers were watching a scout plane circle the area, which reported to a lead plane and then a single engine air tanker.

The tanker makes a sweep.

Kidd said the forest service relies on the volunteers just as much as the volunteers rely on the forest service. “We’re the primary responders,” he said. “If something gets out of hand or we have an illegal burn we call the forest service.”

While Davie has two brush trucks, it still doesn’t have the resources of the forest service. “They’ve got more resources than us. That’s what they do.”

At the staging area, a scout plane circled the area and Warren County Ranger Bryant Pitchford explained that plane reported to the lead plane.

A bulldozer heads into the woods.

After surveying the area, the tanker made several trips over the area, dumping water.

Warren County Commissioner Jennifer Jordan was impressed with the operation. “For me, I didn’t know it took as much to coordinate the plan.”

Said one of the commissioners on the way back to Davie, “It’s good to know we have so many resources available.”