In a proactive move to enhance wildfire preparedness, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a plan to invest $15 to $20 million in a new twin-engine helicopter equipped with night-flying capabilities. This decision comes in response to a recent surge in brush fires and growing concerns about the region’s readiness to handle major wildfires.
Supervisor Jim Desmond emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that over a dozen brush fires have occurred in the past week alone. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive assessment of the county’s wildfire preparedness, including collaboration with agencies such as the San Diego County Water Authority, SDG&E, and the state insurance commissioner.
The proposed helicopter aims to replace aging aircraft from the 1960s and 1970s currently in use. A $4 million federal grant is expected to offset part of the cost. However, during the meeting, it was revealed that a twin-engine helicopter purchased in 2023 has yet to be utilized for night operations due to maintenance and training challenges. Supervisor Joel Anderson expressed concerns about the underutilization of existing resources, stating, “It’s hard for me to go back to my district and say, ‘Well, we bought them, we’re just not using them.'”
The new helicopter will be assigned to San Diego County Fire, while the Sheriff’s Office will continue operating the previously acquired aircraft. Both departments are expected to coordinate on pilot training to ensure effective deployment of these critical resources.
