California firefighters enlist Fire Hawk helicopters in fight against wildfires

CAL FIRE firehawk

Photo courtesy California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)

Local firefighters in California have added Fire Hawk helicopters to their arsenal in the fight against wildfires this summer

The investment is worth $300 million and several of the Fire Hawks have already been delivered to the fire department, with more on their way. The helicopters will allow firefighters to respond to fires within 20 minutes anywhere in California.

Additionally, Los Angeles County, Ventura County and San Diego have ordered their own Fire Hawks.

Brent Starr, a pilot for Cal Fire Forestry, told CBS Los Angeles: “As a pilot, to be able to have this equipment and to be able to fly it, you feel like you are in the 21st Century, and that makes us happy.”