Helicopters have long been part of San Diego county's firefighting force. But often the first choppers flying in are not from a fire department.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s Aerial Support To Regional Enforcement Agencies (ASTREA) unit plays a unique role in fire suppression and rescue operations for Cal Fire - San Diego County Fire Department.
ASTREA's seven helicopters operate out of Gillespie Field in El Cajon, and fly about 2,000 emergency calls every year.
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