ground crew

Helicopter footage captured by NBC7 News showed smoke engulfing several hillside structures as ground crews attacked the flames with hoses and a fixed-wing plane dropped water from above.

They drove off, giving one last look at the plane as the ground crew scurried around, readying it for the next day’s drop.

An EasyJet spokesperson told the BBC its ground crew had to ensure non-checked bags were within maximum dimensions "to safely and securely fit", and that rules were made clear to customers when they booked.

Dutifully, I handed my passport and boarding pass to a member of BA ground crew, who glanced at them both and waved me through.

However, once the passengers were on board, a ground crew member advised the departing helicopter pilot that the airspace was clear.