October 23, 2025

San Diego County Approves Purchase of Firehawk Helicopter

News Summary

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has approved the acquisition of a Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopter for $38 million to enhance wildfire response capabilities. The helicopter, which can carry 1,000 gallons of water per drop, is specifically designed for night operations. The purchase is timely as the region prepares for peak wildfire season. Funding will be supported partly through bond proceeds, and Cal Fire will manage its operations to improve fire safety and response efforts in the region.

San Diego – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a significant enhancement to the region’s wildfire response capabilities with the purchase of a Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopter for $38 million. The acquisition aims to bolster firefighting efforts as California and San Diego prepare for the peak wildfire season.

The Firehawk helicopter will be obtained from San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and will be specifically equipped for night flying, which can play a critical role in early fire detection and response. The helicopter is expected to be under the county’s control by fall of next year. In the meantime, Cal Fire will station a reserve Firehawk in San Diego County as early as spring 2024.

The financial breakdown of the purchase indicates that the county will allocate $32 million for the helicopter itself, with an additional $6 million dedicated to outfitting it with night-flying capabilities. Significantly, $23.8 million of the overall cost will be covered through bond proceeds, easing the financial burden on local taxpayers.

The Firehawk boasts impressive capabilities, able to carry 1,000 gallons of water per drop, which nearly triples the region’s existing helicopter water-drop capacity. It is equipped with advanced safety systems, twin engines, and longer flight durations compared to the county’s current helicopter fleet. These features are expected to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of firefighting efforts in the area.

Cal Fire will manage the operation and maintenance of the Firehawk while also covering staffing, fuel, and maintenance expenses, projected at roughly $5.5 million per year. Nighttime firefighting efforts can be crucial in preventing fires from escalating into larger disasters, making this investment particularly timely.

Currently, Cal Fire operates 16 Firehawks statewide, with the nearest located in Riverside. A review of the previous firefighting efforts shows that the existing county helicopter executed over 1,400 water drops and performed 159 rescues in the last year alone, indicating a solid track record of service in managing fires and emergencies.

The new Firehawk helicopter will include advanced night observation capabilities, allowing for real-time communication and updates for ground commanders during firefighting operations. This added level of coordination is essential for efficient management of operations in a wildfire crisis.

Moreover, county officials highlighted the potential for additional funding from SDG&E, with the possibility of receiving up to $5 million annually through 2035 to support the ongoing fire helicopter program. This funding will assist in ensuring the sustainability of enhanced firefighting resources.

The investment in the Firehawk helicopter underscores the county’s commitment to improving fire safety measures and enhancing preparedness in light of the increasing threat posed by wildfires. As the climate continues to change and create more severe conditions conducive to wildfires, such proactive measures are deemed necessary to protect vulnerable communities and preserve life and property throughout the region.

In conclusion, the approval of this $38 million acquisition not only fortifies San Diego County’s firefighting arsenal but also reinforces the region’s ongoing efforts to improve fire safety and response capabilities amidst an evolving environmental landscape.