Adding to LACo’s already large fleet of Bell 412 and S-70 Firehawk firefighting helicopter fleet, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, announced this week during a town hall event specifically addressing the county’s wildfire preparation for the 2019 fire season that the county intends to purchase two additional Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopters.
The town hall event was scheduled to address residents concerns after 2018’s devastating firestorms claimed dozens of lives throughout California. The purchase of two additional S-70 helicopters will upon delivery, bring the number of S-70 Firehawks from five to seven within the agency, eventually bringing the total number of helicopters to thirteen once the arrival of two already ordered S-70s arrive in late 2020 and the two new purchases announced also begin fire service in an as yet unannounced timeframe.
Barger stated during the event “I’m going to break some news here, but we’re looking to buy two more,” which drew masses of applause from residents in attendance at the event.
“We’re eager to negotiate the potential addition of two new Firehawks to our arsenal to further our efforts to keep our community safe and our fires under control,” Barger added.
