On Tuesday, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the purchase of a $23.8 million Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopter from San Diego Gas & Electric for night flying.

The decision comes as California and the county enter peak wildfire season and day-or-night wildfire fighting capabilities remain vital for a regional response. However, the agreement will only bring the helicopter under the county's control next fall. Prior to the arrival of the new helicopter, Cal Fire will station a reserve Firehawk in San Diego County in the spring.

The county will pay $23,806,000 for the aircraft but also has the ability to accept $5 million annually through 2035 from SDG&E to help fund the county's fire helicopter program.

"Every minute matters when wildfire strikes," Board Chai

See Full Page