The County of Los Angeles Fire Department was recently commended for its use of three Sikorsky Firehawk helicopters to combat last November’s devastating Woolsey Fire.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, recognized the department, which operates eight multi-mission helicopters, including three S-70A Sikorsky Firehawk helicopters.
“Our company’s founder, Igor Sikorsky, designed a vertical lift machine for the purpose of saving lives,” said Jeanette Eaton, Sikorsky North America regional executive, during a ceremony at the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors during which she presented Fire Chief Darryl Osby with the Sikorsky Humanitarian Award. “He would applaud the courage and persistence that the County of Los Angeles Fire Department demonstrated to fight the Woolsey Fire. Risking your lives to save others, and dedicating your time to keep these aircraft flying, embody the highest ideal of humanitarian service. This award was inspired by your actions during the Woolsey Fire.”
The Woolsey fire, which began Nov. 8, 2018, is considered the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles County history. Pushed by 50-mile-an-hour Santa Ana winds, the fire swiftly grew to a 14-mile fire line that burned 97,000 acres and destroyed over 1,600 structures in the communities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Bell Canyon, Malibu, Malibu Lake, and Oak Park.
The three Sikorsky Firehawk helicopters dropped water from each aircraft’s 1,000-gallon external water tank for 40 of the first 48 hours of the fight when high winds prevented other helicopters from flying.
“The Los Angeles County Fire Department is humbled to be recognized by Sikorsky for our work protecting lives, property and the environment,” Osby said. “We could not execute our mission without our Sikorsky helicopters. We can depend on our fleet to help us fight wildfires by dropping thousands of gallons of water; performing hoist and swift water rescues; and transporting patients, fire crews and essentials from one location to another during emergencies.”