Residents throughout the Sacramento suburbs can expect to see increased helicopter activity Thursday as CAL FIRE crews conduct training exercises, the agency said in a press release.

The May 6 release said almost 40 personnel with multiple helicopters will be practicing various training scenarios at Folsom Lake on Thursday, May 7. The exercises are part of the agency’s Basic Helicopter Operations and Safety course along with a Flight Crew Initial course. The training includes classroom academics and simulator training prior to the aerial flights, the release said.

Residents near Folsom Lake in particular can expect to see increased helicopter activity as flights are conducted to and from a temporary helibase. All flights follow safety guidelines, according to the agency.

Helicopters are planning to perform water drops, practice passenger and cargo loading and operations, and refine communications to ensure safety during an actual fire event, the release said.

CAL FIRE maintains the world’s largest aerial fire fighting fleet with almost 70 fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft, according to their website. The agency is based at McClellan (MCC) and conducts routine training exercises across California throughout the spring and summer months.