Just in time for peak brush fire season, Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties have some powerful new tools in battling blazes.
Southern California Edison provided nearly $18 million dollars to lease two huge firefighting helicopters to support the fire agencies. The twin rotor CH-47 helicopters can carry 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant. They can also operate at night. Edison also leased a thousand gallon Sikorsky S-61 helitanker to support firefighting activities.
Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen spoke at a Monday news conference showcasing the helicopters. He says the region’s fire agencies help each other, but the three big helicopters are a welcome addition.
The quick reaction force has a mobile base which can be moved near the scene of a major blaze, for fast flight turnarounds for the helicopters.
