SAN DIEGO -- Pilots who were the first to spot what is now dubbed the Cedar Fire said their efforts to call in air resources to battle the blaze were denied.

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"It wasn't growing very much at that time. It was basically contained to the hilltop," said Astria helicopter pilot Deputy Dave Weldon.

Weldon said he was sent to pick up the now infamous lost hunter when he spotted the fire. He said at 5:45 p.m. Saturday, he requested an additional helicopter carrying a water bucket.

Deputy Gene Palos said his helicopter had a bucket and was ready to go.

"As I was going over the top of Gillespie, I was told (from our communications center) to disengage," Palos said. "We were told they would not be responding. It was too close to the cutoff time, too close to sunset."

"I don't know if I could have made a difference; anything is better than nothing," Palos added.

The U.S. Forest Service responded Friday to the pilot's account of what happened.

Rich Hawkins, from the U.S. Forest Service, said, "We feel their efforts would have been futile. It was an unnecessary risk to their safety."

Hawkins explained national policies dictate that all air firefighting operations cease a half-hour before sunset.

"I admire the pilots for their courage, but we're experts in the fire service. You won't get adequate air support on the fire," Hawkins said.

Hawkins said because the rule not to fly a half-hour before sunset is a national policy, there is nothing local officials could have done.