The wildfire season in Riverside County will soon see the arrival of a new addition to the airborne firefighting fleet. Officials announced on Thursday that a Sikorsky S-64 helicopter, commonly referred to as a “Skycrane” due to its distinctive L-shape configuration and lack of an integral cargo bay, will be stationed at Hemet-Ryan Airport. This new addition will join the fleet of UH-1 choppers and S-2 Tracker twin-engine airplanes traditionally based at Hemet-Ryan by Cal Fire.
The Skycrane is expected to be situated at the airfield by next week under an “exclusive use” agreement with a private company that contracts with the state. The Riverside County Fire Department confirmed that this helicopter is owned and operated by the contracted company. The notable feature of the Skycrane is its tank mounted to the belly of the helicopter, capable of delivering more than 2,000 gallons of water per drop.
Battalion Chief Dave Rodriguez, responsible for overseeing Cal Fire air operations at Hemet-Ryan, expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of the Skycrane. He highlighted how it will contribute to the department’s goal of keeping 95% of fires contained at 10 acres or less. Chief Rodriguez emphasized that the S-64 will not only enhance the capabilities of the aerial firefighting fleet but also aid in slowing the spread of dangerous wildland fires. This will ultimately contribute to the safety of Riverside County residents, visitors, and firefighters.
Officials have confirmed that the Skycrane will be available for deployment over a 90-day period. This type of helicopter, known as the S-64, has a longstanding history and has been utilized in both civilian and military operations for many years.
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