Overview
- The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved purchasing a Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk from SDG&E for $23,806,000, with an option to accept up to $5 million annually through 2035 to support the helicopter program.
- The aircraft carries 1,000 gallons per drop, flies at night with longer endurance than current county helicopters, and includes a hoist for rescues.
- County officials say the addition nearly triples the region’s helicopter water-drop capacity while ensuring dedicated night coverage.
- The helicopter will be configured to Cal Fire specifications, with a reserve Firehawk to be staged in the county in spring before the new aircraft transfers to county control next fall.
- The move builds on a six-year preparedness effort that added firefighters, helihydrants, brush management and two twin-engine helicopters after aerial units conducted about 1,400 water drops and 159 rescues in 2024.