Eagle and Boise Fire Departments took to the air Tuesday for a bird's eye view of their fire districts.
The helicopter flight was organized by the Boise District Bureau of Land Management.
"Google Earth is a great tool, but there's no replacing actually going up and seeing it in the air," BLM fire operations specialist Cody Kidd said.
For crews responsible for putting out fires in the foothills, staying up to date on growth and changing landscapes is a necessity.
"They're going to look at where water sources are located... if there's any development or subdivisions built in the foothills," BLM fire information specialist Jared Jabolonski said. "They're also looking at access and egress out of subdivisions in different neighborhoods."
Tuesday's helicopter ride around the area was the first time Eagle Fire has gone up to get the view of their growing territory.
"It was good for them to see it from the air," Kidd said. "I think it gave them a little different picture in the air of what it looks like."
Firefighters say preparation early in the season is key to successfully managing fires all summer long.
"We've had a couple multiple-start days already, the largest fire being 212 acres," Jabolonski said. "Fire season is definitely here and all these fires are suspected to be human-caused."
This was the second year in a row the Boise District BLM organized the flight. They say as long as there is continued funding for it, they'll make it an annual event.
