US EditionCalifornia Ramps up Firefighting Arsenal with New Helicopter Fleet
CALIFORNIA, AUG 1 – Cal Fire now operates the world’s largest Firehawk helicopter fleet to enhance wildfire response and maintain control of 95% of wildfires at 10 acres or less, officials said.
- On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom and CAL FIRE announced the addition of two Sikorsky S-70i FIREHAWK helicopters, bringing the fleet to 16.
- In recent weeks, 3,600 lightning strikes have ignited about 30 fires as wildfires now rage throughout the year, complicating fire season management.
- Each Sikorsky S-70i FIREHAWK helicopter features enhanced night-flying capabilities, a 1,000-gallon water tank, and room for a nine-person crew for faster rescue operations.
- Cal Fire says these helicopters will help keep 95% of wildfires to 10 acres or less, buying crucial response time, according to Zachary Irion.
- With these additions, CAL FIRE now forms the world's largest aerial firefighting fleet, and additional Firehawks are in Sacramento and will be deployed by year's end.
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11 Articles
CAL FIRE Increases Fleet Of Firefighting Helicopters
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — Firefighters are relying more and more on aerial attacks to combat wildfires across Central California and the state, including the most recent “Boneyard Fire” along the Mariposa-Tuolumne County line. On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom touted the addition of the two new S-70i Fire Hawks. “The world’s largest civilian aerial firefighting fleet. There’s simply no jurisdiction in the world that has more assets, that…
FOX 5 San Diego
The HillCalifornia ramps up firefighting arsenal with new helicopter fleet
California has completed a multiyear initiative to optimize its firefighting capacity, with the arrival of the final two of 16 specialty helicopters. The acquisition of those Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk helicopters, according to state officials, gives California “the largest civilian helicopter firefighting fleet in the world.” “One cannot understate the importance of these investments,” Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said at a press conference Thursday. “Se…
thepress.net
Newsom, Cal Fire announce new helicopters
(The Center Square) – Gov. Gavin Newsom stood Thursday afternoon in front of California’s two newest Firehawks as officials announced the completion of the state's purchase of 16 firefighting helicopters that fly faster and farther and dump a lot more…
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