ScanDiego.com

Update: - Coming in 2026
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) purchased a Sikorsky S70 Firehawk helicopter with the intent of utilizing contract staffing to complete water drops on wildland fires by fall of 2026. However, SDG&E is no longer interested in owning, maintaining, and staffing a night-flying helicopter and has offered to sell their aircraft to the County for fair market value. The proposed purchase allows a critical resource to be available in less than a year to protect lives and property in our region.

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SDG&E is in the process of adding an S-70i FIREHAWK to its fleet.
Bringing enhanced capability and flight safety to its high-payload role.
Extra power margin, 4g maneuverability, stronger airframe, and greater water drop control with its 1000gal external tank.

N858GE
2020 S-70M
Serial Number: 704091
Mode S Code: ABC5AB




Addition to San Diego Gas & Electric’s helicopter fleet -
November 18,2021, SDGE took delivery of the world’s first commercial S-70M.
With an H145, S-64 Skycrane, 2 UH-60 Blackhawks, and soon-to-be S-70i Firehawk,
SDGE’s firefighting fleet has power to spare.
Now onto Firehawk conversion!
https://twitter.com/SocalAirOps/status/ ... 8018258944

San Diego Gas & Electric Company
Wildfire Mitigation Plan
February 7, 2020
SDG&E is in negotiations to purchase an S‐70i (Firehawk) to replace the Blackhawk
and anticipates that the transaction will be complete prior to the next Plan update. Over the
next three to 10 years, SDG&E will continue to assess the effectiveness of its Aviation
Firefighting program and will work with CAL FIRE on any changes for improved firefighting
effectiveness.
https://www.sdge.com/sites/default/file ... 2020_0.pdf

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Sikorsky Prepares S-70M for Commercial Operators
October 20, 2020
In early 2020, PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company in Poland, manufactured the first S-70M Black Hawk helicopter on the same production line where it has produced the S-70i since 2011 for 17 customers worldwide. The helicopter was then delivered in September to Sikorsky’s flight test facility in West Palm Beach, Florida, for evaluation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

On October 3, the FAA performed its first of many flights in the S-70M. Sikorsky is working with the FAA to receive Flight Standardization certification for S-70M by the end of this year in accordance with the Type Certificate Data Sheet for Restricted Category clearance. This would allow commercial operators to acquire a new production Black Hawk directly from Sikorsky for the first time in the helicopter’s storied 42-year history.
https://www.wingsmagazine.com/sikorsky- ... operators/

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Paintshop's instructions and 1:1 scale stencils commissioned by SDGE for their new S-70i Blackhawk helicopter - 2020
https://www.aviationgraphic.com/content ... structions

SDG&E Firehawk getting ready to do its first test flights soon in Colorado.

N858GE -
https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/N858GE/

I hear that aircraft on the SDG&E trunked system ASD doing check ins regularly I'm confused are they moving that one to Colorado and getting a new one?

I heard a copter 129 doing a check in on the TRS system today 5/22/25

Did the first flight in Colorado! 14 minutes of flying!

N858GE arrived at Centennial (APA) at 14:49 MDT from Centennial (APA) after 0:14 en route
https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight ... /KAPA/KAPA.

N858GE Photos: Sighting of SDG&E's S-70M Firehawk at Kapa - June,2025
https://www.facebook.com/groups/colorad ... 463881051/

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) purchased a Sikorsky S70 Firehawk helicopter with the intent of utilizing contract staffing to complete water drops on wildland fires by fall of 2026. However, SDG&E is no longer interested in owning, maintaining, and staffing a night-flying helicopter and has offered to sell their aircraft to the County for fair market value. The proposed purchase allows a critical resource to be available in less than a year to protect lives and property in our region.

To increase aerial resources in the San Diego region,
and through the existing Cooperative Agreement between the County of San Diego (County) and
CAL FIRE, CAL FIRE has offered, indefinitely, to cover staffing, fuel, and maintenance costs if
the County purchases a Sikorsky S70 Firehawk. San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) purchased
a Sikorsky S70 Firehawk helicopter for firefighting purposes but that helicopter has not yet been
deployed. SDG&E has offered to sell their aircraft to the County so that County Fire can utilize
this asset. In addition, SDG&E would provide ongoing funding of $3,300,000 to County Fire’s
aerial firefighting program, subject to California Public Utilities Commission approval in future
years.
Today’s actions include authorizing a single source contract with SDG&E to acquire their Sikorsky
S70 Firehawk helicopter and a single source contract with United Rotorcraft to outfit the new
helicopter to meet CAL FIRE’s operational standards. Today’s actions would also authorize the
Director of San Diego County Fire, or their designee, to execute revenue agreements of up to $5 million annually from SDG&E for a County Fire helicopter program through October 31, 2035, and the CAO to take all necessary actions to operationalize a County Fire helicopter program.

1. In accordance with Board Policy A-87, Competitive Procurement, approve and authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting to enter into negotiations with San Diego Gas & Electric and subject to successful negotiations and a determination of a fair and reasonable price, award a contract for a Sikorsky S70 Firehawk helicopter, and amend the contract as needed to reflect changes to services and funding, subject to the approval of the Director, San Diego County Fire or their designee.

2. In accordance with Board Policy A-87, Competitive Procurement, approve and authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting, to enter into negotiations with United Rotorcraft and subject to successful negotiations and determination of a fair and reasonable price, award a contract to complete the outfitting of the Sikorsky S70 Firehawk helicopter to meet California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) standards, and amend the contract as needed to reflect changes to services and funding, subject to the approval of the Director, San Diego County Fire or their designee.

3. Authorize San Diego County Fire to accept up to $5 million annually from San Diego Gas & Electric for the period of November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2035, for the San Diego County Fire helicopter program and authorize the Director of San Diego County Fire, or designee, to execute all revenue agreement documents, including any annual extensions, amendments, and/or revisions thereto that do not materially impact or alter services or funding levels.

4. Authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, or their designee, to take all necessary actions to operationalize the San Diego County Fire helicopter program, subject to available appropriations.

5. Waive Board Policy A-87, Competitive Procurement, and in accordance with Administrative Code 401, authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting upon successful negotiations and determination of a fair and reasonable price, to award contracts for maintenance, spare parts, and other equipment and services necessary for the Sikorsky S70 Firehawk helicopter to be fully operational, and to amend the agreements as needed to reflect changes to requirements, services, and/or funding subject to the approval of the Director of San Diego County Fire.

6. Direct the Auditor and Controller to establish an interest-bearing trust fund to deposit revenues generated by the helicopter program from agreements with San Diego Gas & Electric, CAL FIRE, and the U.S. Government, and other income sources, with all interest earnings allocated to and distributed to this fund. Funds in this trust fund will be committed to debt service payments, maintenance, fuel, staffing, equipment necessary to operate a firefighting helicopter program, and the purchase of new helicopters.

7. In accordance with Board Policy A-87, Competitive Procurement, and Administrative Code 401, authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting to amend contract 567111 with San Diego Gas & Electric, for utilization of other firefighting-equipped helicopters for fire suppression, to extend the contract term for an additional three (3) years plus two (2) additional option years through July 31, 2032, and increase the annual funding up to $500,000, subject to the availability of funds; and to amend the contract as required to reflect changes to services and funding allocations, subject to the approval of the Director, San Diego County Fire or their designee.

8. Establish appropriations of $23,806,000 in Finance Other, Capital Assets, based on bond proceeds for the purchase of a Sikorsky S70 Firehawk helicopter. (4 VOTES)

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Purchasing an additional night-flying helicopter increases locally available resources to quickly respond to emerging wildland fires that frequently start in rural and isolated communities that disproportionally includes tribal nations, lower-income residents, and senior citizens. By increasing firefighting resources, the County can ensure a more equitable and rapid response that better protects vulnerable populations and their properties from the devastating impact of wildfires.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Today’s action to authorize the purchase of an additional night-flying helicopter demonstrates the County’s ongoing commitment to the region’s environmental stewardship. By enhancing the region’s firefighting capabilities, the County can better manage the risks of wildland fires that pose threats to both residents and sensitive habitats.

FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are partially included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Operational Plan in Finance Other ($14,250,000). If approved, today’s action will increase appropriations and result in an estimated total one-time cost of $38,056,000 to purchase one Sikorsky S70 Firehawk (approximately $32,756,000) and to outfit the new helicopter (approximately $5,300,000). The funding source will be bond proceeds of $38,056,000. The ongoing debt service payment will be covered by the $3,300,000 of annual revenue received from San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
through 2027 and thereafter will be subject to approval by the California Public Utilities Commission and will be included in future years Operational Plans. Should SDG&E not provide annual revenue, County Fire would identify alternate funding sources and return to the Board for authorization of any necessary actions and approval of the new funding source(s). Annual staffing and maintenance costs for the helicopter, estimated at $5.5 million, will be covered through an agreement with CAL FIRE. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years. The establishment of a trust fund for the deposit of funds above the annual operating and financing costs will be committed for the helicopter program.

ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
On September 8, 2025, the San Diego County Fire Protection District Fire Advisory Board received a presentation on County Fire’s proposal to acquire the San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Sikorsky S70 Firehawk Helicopter, receive revenue from SDG&E for debt servicing, and partner with CAL FIRE for the State to pay for staffing and maintenance costs and voted unanimously, with six (6) members present, to support the recommendations.

San Diego County Fire Acquiring Firehawk Helicopter in 2026
https://www.countynewscenter.com/county ... elicopter/

File #: 25-541
AUTHORITY FOR COUNTY FIRE TO OPERATIONALIZE AN AERIAL FIREFIGHTING PROGRAM, APPROVE THE SINGLE SOURCE PURCHASE AND OUTFITTING OF A SIKORSKY S70 FIREHAWK HELICOPTER, EXTEND AN AGREEMENT WITH SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC FOR REGIONAL AERIAL FIREFIGHTING RESOURCES, AND ESTABLISH APPROPRIATIONS (4 VOTES)
https://sdcounty.legistar.com/MeetingDe ... 7C&Search=


In response to the destructive wildfires in Los Angeles this January, the County is further strengthening the region’s aerial resources with the purchase of a firefighting helicopter.

The Sikorsky S70 Firehawk adds to the region’s fleet of 12 firefighting helicopters and planes serving the region to protect residents. It will substantially improve day and night firefighting response.

The Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to buy the helicopter for San Diego County Fire and upgrade it to accommodate a full crew for firefighting and rescues missions.

The Firehawk will be able to fly at night, which can be a vital first line of attack. It carries up to 1,000 gallons of water and will have a hoist for rescues, according to County Fire Director Jeff Collins.

This helicopter is a big investment in the County’s firefighting capabilities, it flies faster and longer and drops more water than smaller helicopters, said CAL FIRE/County Fire Chief Tony Mecham. It is the same model used by CAL FIRE since 2018, and City of San Diego as well as in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

Last year, the County’s existing helicopter made 1,400 water drops on wildfires and rescued 159 people in San Diego County.

Through a partnership, the County will provide the helicopter and CAL FIRE will provide staffing, maintenance, fuel and training at an estimated in-kind value of $5.5 million annually.

Once purchased, the helicopter will need to be outfitted with specific firefighting equipment and seating for a full crew. It will be ready to respond next fall. In the interim, CAL FIRE can provide a reserve helicopter to the region in the spring as a temporary asset.

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San Diego County approves $38M Firehawk helicopter for wildfire fighting
Board of Supervisors buys military Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk to fight wildfires overnight, launching spring 2026.
Published: 6:28 PM PDT October 21, 2025
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — San Diego County has purchased a Firehawk helicopter capable of fighting wildfires at night, marking a significant expansion of the region's aerial firefighting capabilities.
The County Board of Supervisors approved the $38 million purchase of the former military Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk through a partnership with Cal Fire and San Diego Gas & Electric. The aircraft is expected to begin operations this spring.
The decision came after San Diego County relied on borrowed air support during four North County fires in January while watching Firehawks battle Los Angeles' destructive wildfires.
"When flames break out after dark, we won't be waiting for backup, and we will not be waiting for sunrise," Board Chair, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer said.
The new aircraft can drop 1,000 gallons of water and transport 12 firefighters — double the capacity of existing county helicopters. It also features enhanced safety systems, twin engines and advanced night observation capabilities.
Fire Chief Tony Mecham said the helicopter flies faster, carries more fuel and has superior power compared to current aircraft.
"This aircraft has so much power that whether we're at the top of Mount Laguna or we're out in the desert floor in 110-degree heat, we have enough power to be able to do those hoist rescues," Mecham said.
The helicopter will provide critical night aerial observation during wind-driven fires, allowing pilots to communicate real-time updates to ground commanders about fire patterns and threatened communities.
CAL FIRE currently operates 16 Firehawks statewide, with the nearest based in Riverside. The San Diego Fire Department also has its own Firehawk.
Mecham said the purchase is another step in enhancing San Diego's aerial firefighting capabilities.
https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local ... ef21484f9f

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San Diego County adds night-flying firefighting Firehawk helicopter to its fleet
The Firehawk nearly triples the region's helicopter water-drop capacity and ensures dedicated night-flying capability.
On Tuesday, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the purchase of a $23.8 million Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopter from San Diego Gas & Electric for night flying.

The decision comes as California and the county enter peak wildfire season and day-or-night wildfire fighting capabilities remain vital for a regional response. However, the agreement will only bring the helicopter under the county's control next fall. Prior to the arrival of the new helicopter, Cal Fire will station a reserve Firehawk in San Diego County in the spring.

The county will pay $23,806,000 for the aircraft but also has the ability to accept $5 million annually through 2035 from SDG&E to help fund the county's fire helicopter program.

"Every minute matters when wildfire strikes," Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer said. "This new helicopter provides San Diego County Fire with night-flying firefighting capacity — protecting families while they sleep, saving lives and preventing small fires from becoming disasters."

The Firehawk nearly triples the region's helicopter water-drop capacity, ensures dedicated night-flying capability in the region and will be operated and maintained by Cal Fire.

Lawson-Remer said the initial attack at night can be critical to stopping fires before they expand into major disasters, as strong winds and dry conditions can cause small blazes to spread out of control before sunrise.

The Firehawk can carry 1,000 gallons of water per drop and has a longer flight time than current helicopters owned by the county.

"I don't want to jinx it, but I truly believe these investments have made a difference," Supervisor Jim Desmond said. "We haven't seen a major wildfire in our region in recent years, and that's not by luck — it's because we've taken fire safety seriously and acted decisively."

The county will get the chopper up to Cal Fire specifications, the same as those used in Los Angeles County, Orange County and the city of San Diego. The region uses 12 aerial firefighting vehicles, and the existing county firefighting helicopter last year made more than 1,400 water drops and 159 rescues.

"This aircraft represents a major leap forward in our ability to protect San Diego County," Cal Fire San Diego Unit Chief Tony Mecham said. "The Firehawk's capacity and endurance will allow us to respond faster, operate safely at night, and help contain wildfires before they threaten homes and communities."

https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/ ... 132/?amp=1

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Firehawk helicopter joins county’s wildfire defense team
The county is paying $38 million for the Firehawk. The helicopter price is $32 million, and it will be upgraded to CalFire operational standards at an additional cost of $6 million.

Additional investments made by the county over six years include committing $3 million annually to add firefighters across the region, installing helihydrants, expanding brush management to protect neighborhoods and adding two twin-engine helicopters to the aerial fleet.
https://timesofsandiego.com/life/2025/1 ... ense-team/

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San Diego County signs off on buy new night flying helicopter to fight wildfires
https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/ ... -wildfires