What condition must exist for a night water drop operation to proceed?

For a night water drop operation to proceed, it is critical to consider the financial implications associated with suppression efforts. When high suppression costs are to be avoided, it often indicates that resources may be limited or that the situation may escalate if not managed effectively. In such cases, conducting aerial water drops at night can be a strategic decision to minimize fire spread while maintaining a control on costs.

In contrast, other conditions, such as low visibility, clear skies, or the presence of spotters, while they may influence the operational effectiveness of night operations, do not fundamentally determine the feasibility of proceeding with such an operation. These aspects are important for safety and efficiency but do not take precedence over the necessity of cost management in deciding whether to conduct night water drops. Therefore, the need to prevent high suppression costs plays a pivotal role in the decision-making process for initiating these operations.