Douglas County is setting itself apart by ensuring year-round aerial firefighting support for 2025. In a move described as both proactive and economic, county commissioners have committed to spending $1,530,000 on a contract with Trans Aero, LTD, as reported by Douglas County. The agreement secures the presence of a Type 2 helicopter, equipped to deliver 300 gallons of water to critical areas during wildfires, for at least 168 days until the end of the year.
According to Douglas County, this helicopter will be stationed in Douglas County, having responded to 32 wildfires in the previous year. With 22 fires battled within the county itself and a further 10 outside its borders, for which they received reimbursement, the helitak team is ready for activation at any other time should the fire danger increase. Streamlining both response times and the coordination between air and ground firefighting efforts, the commissioners believe the expense is justified considering the value of the property and the life it safeguards.
Commissioner Abe Laydon, who also serves as Board Chair and Chair of the Wildfire Action Collaborative, stated, "This is a historic day for Douglas County. We are the only county in the state that has a dedicated helitak team." He further commented on the importance of the service, "This proactive measure, a small investment compared to our property values, is widely supported by and helpful to our citizens. This is also economic development. One of the reasons businesses come to Douglas County is because their investment is protected," as obtained by Douglas County.
The county also encourages residents to take personal steps in preparing for wildfires through mitigation efforts and creating defensible spaces around their homes. Financial assistance and resources, such as the Wildfire Mitigation Cost-Share program and a free-use slash-mulch site, are available for families intending to bolster their property's defenses. Additionally, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office offers an Access and Functional Needs Registry for older adults and individuals with disabilities, providing extra support during evacuations.
As part of ensuring public safety, the county has also urged residents to register every phone line in their households for CodeRED notifications, ensuring the delivery of emergency alerts directly to citizens. They have called upon families to do their part in aiding community-wide efforts to mitigate the perennial threat of wildfires, enhancing individual and collective resilience in facing such natural hazards.
