An Orange County sheriff’s helicopter practicing firefighting techniques in Huntington Beach last month inadvertently dumped water on a woman standing outside a plumbing business, generating questions about whether the department is as yet skilled enough to fight fires.
The errant dumping occurred Oct. 9, the day the Canyon Fire 2 erupted in Anaheim Hills. While the blaze burned more than 9,000 acres and damaged or destroyed nearly 60 structures, the Orange County Fire Authority did not ask the sheriff’s three helicopters for help dumping water — a decision that later sparked criticism from county supervisors and the community.
However, a damage claim filed by the drenched woman suggests more study might be needed on the sheriff’s readiness to engage in firefighting, officials said.