Ruth Haines
Ukiah Airport, owned and operated by the City of Ukiah, has been subject to temporary closures and relocations of aircraft due to runway maintenance and upgrades. In 2019, the airport received funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for essential runway repaving, which was last conducted in 1984. This project, aimed at improving safety conditions, caused a temporary relocation of Cal Fire aircraft to neighbouring airports. In 2024, a controlled vegetation burn was conducted at the airport by the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, with assistance from the Hopland Fire Protection District. While these events involved fire-related activities, they were planned and controlled, and the airport generally implements measures to prevent fires and ensure fire safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Affected by Fire | No |
| Temporary Closure for Runway Upgrades | Yes |
| Date of Closure | 2 October 2023 |
| Date of Reopening | 6 November 2023 |
| Reason for Closure | Runway upgrades, including repaving, narrowing, and installation of new runway lighting |
| Impact on Services | No significant impact projected; Cal Fire planes may respond from a different base, increasing response time by about 10 minutes |
| Previous Closure | May to June 2020 due to repaving |
| Airport Size | 160 acres |
| Runway Length | 4,400 ft. or 4,415 ft. |
| Runway Width | 150 ft. |
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What You'll Learn
- Ukiah Airport closed for runway upgrades in October 2023
- Cal Fire planes relocated during the closure
- The airport provides essential services, including fire suppression
- The Ukiah Valley Fire Authority conducted a vegetation burn at the airport in 2024
- The City of Ukiah has taken steps to mitigate the fire threat
Ukiah Airport closed for runway upgrades in October 2023
Ukiah Airport in California will be closed to fixed-wing aircraft from 2 October to 6 November 2023 for runway upgrades. The airport will receive enhancements to its lighting systems and a narrowing of the runway. The runway lighting project, which will cost approximately $2 million, is part of a series of major improvements to the airport's infrastructure. The work is federally funded and mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The airport manager, Greg Owen, has stated that the runway upgrades are critical to ensuring the safety and sustainability of the airport. He also emphasised the importance of conducting such repairs during the dry season to avoid emergency closures due to accidents caused by deferred maintenance. Owen also addressed concerns about the limited Cal Fire availability during the closure, acknowledging that there is never a good time to close an airport, especially during wildfire season. However, he assured that Cal Fire planes would respond from their Sonoma County Airport base if needed, with only a slight increase in response time.
During the closure, helicopters, including Cal Fire, and air ambulances will continue to operate as usual. Companies such as Cal Fire, UPS, and FedEx have made arrangements to operate out of different airports during this period, and no significant impact on services is projected.
The Ukiah Regional Airport is owned and operated by the City of Ukiah and has been since the 1930s. The airport covers 160 acres and includes a 4,400-foot runway and taxiway, with 87 aircraft based on-site. It provides essential services to the local community, including daily freight operations and emergency services such as fire suppression and medevac.
In May 2024, a vegetation burn was conducted at the airport by the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, assisted by the Hopland Fire Protection District. This planned controlled burn was carried out to prevent wildfires and ensure the safety of the airport and the surrounding area.
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Cal Fire planes relocated during the closure
Ukiah Airport in Mendocino County, California, has been serving the community since the 1930s. In 2019, the airport received a $2.2 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to complete a much-needed runway repaving project. The last time the runway was paved was in 1984, and it had since developed cracks, weeds, and rocks, which were causing wear and tear on Cal Fire's planes.
The airport closed for mandatory upgrades in October 2019, with Cal Fire aircraft being relocated to nearby airports during the closure. The planes were expected to return to Ukiah Airport once the work was completed. The relocation was only temporary, and Cal Fire was kept informed about the planned work. The airport manager, Greg Owen, explained that the project had been pushed back as far as possible to ensure that the planes would remain available during the bulk of the fire season. Owen also acknowledged the community's concern about limited Cal Fire availability during the closure, especially given the increased risk of wildfires during the dry season.
During the 2019 closure, Cal Fire's tankers and air attack tactical aircraft were moved to Santa Rosa, or Rohnerville in Humboldt County. There was also a possibility that they would be relocated to Chico, and that an additional helicopter would be stationed at the Howard Forest Cal Fire station, the Willits Airport, or the Ukiah Airport itself, depending on the construction details.
The runway repaving project was initially scheduled to begin on October 15, 2019, and last for two to four weeks. However, due to unforeseen circumstances and rain, the project was delayed, and the Cal Fire planes could not arrive at Ukiah Airport until June 28, 2020. During this time, Cal Fire responded to wildfire incidents from the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa.
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The airport provides essential services, including fire suppression
The Ukiah Airport in California provides essential services to the local community, including fire suppression. The airport has a long history of serving the region, with the City of Ukiah owning and operating the facility since the 1930s.
The airport covers an area of approximately 160 acres and includes a runway/taxiway system, a runway protection zone, and areas for both developed and undeveloped buildings. The runway, which is used in both directions depending on wind direction, is approximately 4,400 feet long and 150 feet wide.
Over the years, the airport has undergone various improvement projects to maintain its viability and safety standards. In 2019, the airport received a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to complete a much-needed repaving of the runway, addressing cracks, weeds, and rocks that had developed over time. This project involved temporarily relocating Cal Fire aircraft to nearby airports, but they returned once the work was completed.
The airport continues to play a crucial role in fire suppression efforts. In 2024, the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, assisted by the Hopland Fire Protection District, conducted a planned controlled vegetation burn at the airport to prevent wildfires. Additionally, the airport serves as a base for Cal Fire operations, with fire suppression aircraft such as the Grumman S-2 Tracker and North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco using the facility during wildfire season.
The airport's role in fire suppression is further enhanced by its collaboration with the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority (UVFA), which provides fire, rescue, and medical care to the citizens of Ukiah and the surrounding valley areas. The UVFA has implemented measures such as utilizing a remote-controlled mower to monitor growth along train tracks and at the airport to prevent wildfires.
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The Ukiah Valley Fire Authority conducted a vegetation burn at the airport in 2024
In May 2024, the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority (UVFA), in collaboration with the Hopland Fire Protection District, carried out a planned controlled vegetation burn at the Ukiah Airport. Firefighters from Hopland were on hand to knock down the flames at the end of the airport during this operation. This burn was conducted as part of the UVFA's ongoing efforts to reduce fire hazards and protect public safety in the region.
The UVFA is responsible for providing fire, rescue, and medical services to the citizens of Ukiah and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Ukiah Valley. It operates with an annual budget of approximately $5.2 million and employs 23 full-time safety staff, including firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs. The organization strives to deliver these critical services in a well-planned, cost-effective, and professional manner, making the most efficient use of resources, facilities, and training.
One of the key strategies employed by the UVFA to mitigate fire risks is the implementation of the Weed Abatement Requirements and Inspections standard. This standard is designed to reduce the accumulation of vegetative growth and combustible debris, which can fuel fires and endanger public safety. Additionally, the UVFA has been proactive in securing funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to address fire threats along the western hills.
To further enhance wildfire prevention, the UVFA has taken steps such as relocating electrical lines underground and utilizing a remote-controlled mower to maintain public spaces, including areas near the airport, by keeping vegetation growth in check. These comprehensive approaches demonstrate the UVFA's commitment to ensuring the safety of the community and mitigating the impact of fires in the region.
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The City of Ukiah has taken steps to mitigate the fire threat
Ukiah Valley, located in Mendocino County, California, is vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires, and floods. The Ukiah Valley Fire Authority (UVFA) provides fire, rescue, and medical care to the citizens of Ukiah and the Ukiah Valley. The City of Ukiah has taken several steps to mitigate the fire threat. Here are some of the key measures:
Funding and Resources
The City of Ukiah has successfully procured funding and grants to enhance wildfire mitigation efforts. In 2023, the city received a grant of $7,214,766 from the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Community Wildfire Defense Program. This grant is specifically aimed at increasing fire resiliency through the addition and maintenance of fuel breaks and other fire prevention strategies. The city also sought funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to mitigate the fire threat along the western hills.
Infrastructure and Equipment
The City of Ukiah has invested in infrastructure and equipment upgrades to enhance fire prevention and response capabilities. This includes the acquisition of a remote-controlled mower to maintain public spaces and prevent overgrowth, which can fuel wildfires. The city has also moved electrical lines underground in the western hills to reduce the risk of fires. Additionally, the city has a budget of approximately $5.2 million for the UVFA, which includes staffing and equipment.
Collaboration and Planning
The City of Ukiah recognizes the importance of collaboration and proactive planning. The UVFA works closely with various agencies, including Cal Fire, Mendocino County Fire Safe Council, and local Fire Safe Districts. They have also streamlined the structure of fire response teams to ensure full funding, adequate resources, and available equipment. The city encourages community members and local businesses to practice preparedness and fire safety through initiatives like the Ready public service campaign.
Fire Breaks and Fuel Reduction
The city has implemented measures to create fire breaks and reduce fuel sources for potential wildfires. This includes conducting prescribed burns in appropriate areas to restore fire-adapted ecosystems and engaging impacted communities to increase fire resiliency. The UVFA also conducts defensible space inspections and maintains fuel breaks in shaded and non-shaded areas.
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The City of Ukiah has taken steps to ensure the use of non-toxic alternatives in firefighting. They have swapped out fire-fighting foam for alternatives that are free from PFAS and PFOS chemicals, reducing the environmental impact of firefighting efforts and protecting the natural beauty of the area.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Ukiah Airport has been affected by fires in the past. In 2024, the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority conducted a vegetation burn at the airport during a planned controlled burn.
The Ukiah Valley Fire Authority has implemented several measures to prepare for and prevent fires. These include putting in fire breaks, undergrounding power lines, clearing fuel, and acquiring a remote-controlled mower to monitor growth along train tracks and at the airport. They have also increased the use of smoke detectors, with over 93% of homes now equipped with them.
While I cannot find specific information on the airport closing due to fires, the airport has temporarily closed in the past for runway upgrades and maintenance projects. These closures typically last around two to four weeks, and Cal Fire aircraft are relocated to nearby airports during this time.
The Ukiah Airport provides essential services such as fire suppression and medevac. They have also embarked on infrastructure improvement projects, including pavement improvements, repairing buildings, and adding security fencing.
Ukiah Airport has served as a base for Cal Fire aircraft responding to wildfires in the region. During periods of runway maintenance or closure, Cal Fire aircraft may respond from alternative airports, which can increase response times by approximately ten minutes.
