The pilots of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service are gearing up as the Garden State enters the spring fire season.

Pilot Mike Terrell is under contract with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service during its busy season from late March through the end of April. During that period, Terrell says forest fires are common. Terrell is stationed at Monmouth Executive Airport in Wall Township as the first line of defense when flames are spotted.

?Underneath the hopper, I have a dump door and in one second I can dump 250 gallons of water ? so I dive right in the fire. I try to hit right on the head of the fire and knock it down,? Terrell said.

Fire officials say attacking the fire from above gives firefighters on the ground a chance to get to the scene.

Terrell says he works directly for Downstown Aero Crop Service. After the forest fire season ends, he will head to Africa to do food drops during the summer months.

Related Information:New Jersey Forest Fire Service Department of Environmental Protection

For an extended interview with Mike Terrell, go to channel 612 of your iO digital cable box and select iO extra.