Sonoma County, California – An air tanker dropped fire retardant over the Ledson Fire to slow the spread of the flames and allow ground crews to move in with direct suppression operations.

Copter 616 carried out tactical water drops on the fire as crews focused on the most active section of the blaze.

The northern end of the fire, on the left flank, remained the most active area during the operation.

Aerial footage showed a long line of pink fire retardant falling across a burning hillside while the helicopter made multiple drops on active flames below.

Thick smoke rose from the fire and remained visible across Sonoma County as firefighters continued their efforts.

CAL FIRE, the Sonoma Sheriff, the County of Sonoma, and the Santa Rosa Fire Department were involved in the response.

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