OCFA: Authority to purchase two Bell night flying helicopters

Monday, April 28, 2008

OCFA: Authority to purchase two Bell night flying helicopters

In direct response to the Santiago Fire After-Action Report Orange County Fire Authority will add two two Bell 412EP night flying firefighting helicopters to its firefighting fleet. There will also be fifty additional engines available to be staffed in response to any large scale natural or man-made emergencies.

Orange County Fire Authority Press release:
OCFA TO PURCHASE TWO HELICOPTERS
Orange County Fire Authority
Captain Mike Blawn, PIO
1 Fire Authority Rd.
Irvine, CA 92602
(714) 573-6201

April 25, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Subject:
OCFA TO PURCHASE TWO HELICOPTERS AS PART OF THE
SANTIAGO AFTER-ACTION REPORT

Irvine, CA – In an effort to enhance Orange County Fire Authority’s (OCFA) wildland firefighting
capabilities, the OCFA Board of Director’s Executive Committee took action on the recommendations of the Santiago Fire After-Action Report.
The OCFA awarded a $21,609,590 contract to Edwards & Associates for the purchase of two Bell 412EP helicopters.

“With their capacity to fly at night, these new helicopters will add to our wildland firefighting
abilities,” said Battalion Chief Kris Concepcion “These helicopters are anticipated to be delivered to us in January and February 2009, and shows our Board is taking the After Action Report seriously and moving forward with its recommendations.”

The Executive Committee also voted to enhance OCFA’s relief engine fleet to accommodate
increased flexibility for surge staffing during major incidents like the Santiago Fire. This action ensures there will be fifty additional engines available to be staffed in response to any large scale natural or man-made emergencies

Contact:
Captain Mike Blawn, (714) 573-6201 or michaelblawn@ocfa.org

1 comment:

AnonymousSaturday, August 23, 2008 7:39:00 AM
Who's going to fly them...their shift ends at 8pm?
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Monday, April 28, 2008