The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is gearing up for fire season by putting its seasonal firefighting helicopter, Copter 1, back into action.
Stationed at the Byron Wildland Fire Training Center, the helicopter will be available daily for wildfire response operations across the county during daylight hours.
Copter 1 is capable of carrying 300 gallons of water. It’s also equipped with a snorkel and pump system, allowing it to refill from open water sources or portable water tanks set up by ground crews.
The helicopter is staffed seven days a week by an experienced pilot and one of the fire district’s aviation officers.
District officials said Copter 1 helps crews reach fires faster, especially in the early stages, when every minute counts.
“A rapid initial attack is one of the most effective strategies we have in limiting the spread of wildfires,” Wildland Battalion Chief Tom Zurflueh said in a statement. “The addition of Copter 1 significantly enhances our ability to deliver water to the fireline within minutes of dispatch, giving ground crews a critical advantage in protecting life, property, and natural resources.”
This year’s seasonal helicopter program is being funded through a partnership with PG&E, which provided $1 million to support operations. The other half of the program’s $2 million budget comes from the fire district’s general fund.
Copter 1 is expected to remain available throughout the summer and into early fall, depending on fire activity and weather conditions.
Updates on wildfire safety and district resources can be found on Con Fire’s website.