LA County Orders Two Sikorsky S-70i Firehawks for Fire Department | Aviation International News

LA County Orders Two Sikorsky S-70i Firehawks

Helicopters are ideal for wildfire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services

Sikorsky Firehawk helicopter — © Sikorsky

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

October 31, 2025

Los Angeles County, which relies on helicopters for wildfire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services, has placed an order for two more Sikorsky S-70i Firehawks. The county fire department’s Firehawk fleet has been flying since the early 2000s, and six other California fire agencies also operate the helicopter type.

Based on Sikorsky’s Black Hawk, the Firehawk is able to carry a 1,000-gallon water tank that can be refilled in less than a minute via a retractable snorkel. The helicopter’s twin GE T700-701D engines enable rapid travel to scenes, at up to 155 knots. The Firehawk is also equipped with night-vision-goggle-compatible lighting.

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