San Diego County is adding a significant new asset to its aerial firefighting arsenal by purchasing a Sikorsky S70 Firehawk to bolster wildfire defense capabilities. The cutting-edge helicopter joins a fleet of 12 others already serving the region, prepared to tackle the relentless challenge of wildfires. Yesterday, the County Board of Supervisors gave it a green light, a decision that underscores our unyielding vigilance against the threat of fire.
Enhancing both day and night operations, the Firehawk boasts an impressive 1,000-gallon water capacity and is equipped with a hoist for rescue missions. Flying faster and with a greater endurance than its smaller counterparts, it's positioned to be a game changer in firefighting efforts. "This helicopter is a big investment in the County’s firefighting capabilities," said CAL FIRE/County Fire Chief Tony Mecham in a statement, per the County of San Diego. Its addition comes not a moment too soon, given that the existing county helicopter fleet was deployed for 1,400 water drops and involved in rescuing 159 people within the last year.
Operating under a partnership, CAL FIRE will handle staffing, maintenance, fuel, and training for the Firehawk, representing a notable in-kind contribution estimated at $5.5 million annually. As confirmed by County Fire Director Jeff Collins, a full crew will be ready to embark on rescue and firefighting missions by next fall. Before the Firehawk becomes operational, CAL FIRE has also committed to providing San Diego with a reserve helicopter in the spring, offsetting any immediate gaps in the county's aerial resources.
With a total expenditure of $38 million for the Firehawk, including upgrades to meet CAL FIRE operational standards, San Diego County is investing significantly in its firefighting infrastructure. Adding to this investment, over the past six years, the county has committed $3 million annually to add firefighters, install helihydrants, expand brush management, and broaden its aerial fleet. Such enhancements aim to provide fortified neighborhood protection and increase overall response capability. Supervisor Jim Desmond, representing the fifth district, conveyed, “We haven’t seen a major wildfire in our region in recent years, and that’s not by luck — it’s because we’ve taken fire safety seriously,” according to a Times of San Diego article.
