Cal Fire San Diego has leased a firefighting helicopter to operate out of the Ramona airport — outfitted with a contract pilot — to bolster the region’s aerial firefighting capability, officials said.
The Sikorsky EH1 helicopter, often called a Skycrane, carries up to 2,650 gallons of water. The helicopter became operational Monday.
It’s the latest addition of aerial firefighting weapons in San Diego County. Earlier this year, the county approved a plan to buy a dual-engine helicopter for the Sheriff’s Department for firefighting, and San Diego Gas & Electric acquired the use of two more choppers for its fleet. The city of San Diego and the U.S. Forest Service also have helicopters used to fight fires.
The state’s $3.4 million contract with a company called Helicopter Transport Services gives Cal Fire exclusive use of the Skycrane and also provides a pilot and mechanics for the aircraft, which can be deployed to neighboring counties as needed. They are considered statewide resources, officials said.