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By Jonathan Pierce | Aviation & Emergency Services Correspondent
LOS ANGELES, California — The County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) has announced the procurement of two additional Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk helicopters, further expanding one of the most advanced and capable aerial firefighting fleets in the United States.
The new Firehawks, built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, will be deployed to enhance wildfire suppression, search and rescue, and emergency medical service operations across Los Angeles County — a region increasingly challenged by longer, more intense fire seasons.
Each S-70i Firehawk is equipped with a 1,000-gallon (3,785-liter) water tank that can be refilled in under a minute, twin-turbine engines capable of speeds up to 287 km/h (178 mph), and night-vision-compatible flight controls, allowing for critical missions both day and night.
“The Firehawk helicopter has been the cornerstone of our aerial firefighting capability for more than two decades,” said Anthony C. Marrone, Fire Chief of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department. “Adding two more proven platforms enhances our ability to respond to all types of emergency situations across the county and contain wildfires before they get out of control — even under the most challenging conditions.”
The acquisition reflects a broader regional trend toward investing in multi-mission rotary-wing assets. Earlier this year, San Diego County announced a similar purchase of a Firehawk to bolster its own emergency response fleet, underscoring California’s growing reliance on advanced helicopter technology for wildfire and disaster response.
With this expansion, the Los Angeles County Fire Department continues to build upon its legacy as a leader in aerial firefighting innovation, ensuring it remains ready to meet the demands of an evolving and increasingly dangerous fire environment.
