Potential change in wind direction to impact Dolan Fire

ARROYO SECO, Calif. (KION) Helicopters returned to the firefight, Wednesday. After days of heavy smoke and thick fog they are back on the front lines of the Dolan Fire.

"Smoky conditions do block the pilots from flying overhead. It becomes a safety issue," said CalFire Spokesperson, Jacobo Artiago.

Artiago said Wednesday's weather conditions are both good and bad. While clear skies are ideal for air crews, those on the ground faced hot temperatures.

"Without one you can't have the other. With aviation and making drops on the fire it will suppress the heat, but it does need to be followed up with ground support," said Artiago.

Firefighters expect hot, dry conditions to persist and create very active fire activity. In addition, a shift in wind direction is expected on Thursday. They predict the conditions could move the fire farther East.

Crews have made a big push to control the fire, which is now 122,178 acres in size and 40% contained.

On Sunday, The U.S. Forest Service joined with CalFire to handle the incident. "Now we can join with resources we have.  Helicopters, fire engines, dozers, whatever we can provide to help extinguish this fire sooner," said Artiago.