The aerial firefighting capabilities of Santa Barbara County will take a big leap forward with the purchase of a used Sikorsky HH-60L Black Hawk helicopter from the National Guard. County supervisors approved the purchase on a 5-0 vote waiving the competitive bid requirement, allowing the Fire Protection District to acquire the military-grade helicopter at a fraction of the cost of a new Black Hawk. Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann said she has a personal interest in the purchase because she was evacuated during the Windmill fire. “The only reason our house didn’t burn down was the aircraft,” Hartmann said. Interim Fire Chief Michael Dyer said the helicopter will cost less than $1.73 million, noting Cal Fire just purchased two new Black Hawks for between $20 million and $25 million each.