PHOTOS: The Los Angeles Fire Department on Wednesday, March 29, took ownership of a $2.6 million Fire-7, a high-tech Bell 505 light-duty helicopter that LAFD will use for “helicopter coordination and observation” during incidents like wildfires which require multiple aircraft to respond.
The new copter was unveiled at LAFD Fire Station 114 at Van Nuys Airport, and is now the second Bell 505 that pilots will use for carefully managing the air space and flight communications for all responding aircraft — and to provide real-time analysis for incident commanders. “The new Fire-7 … will assume the lead position for all command-and-control missions,” said LAFD Capt. Erik Scott. “Fire-7 will help modernize the LAFD’s fleet and significantly reduce the department’s reliance on two outdated models. It will provide … significant tactical and technological advantages in protecting Los Angeles against wildfires and other emergencies for years to come.”