San Diego County has a third helicopter in its firefighting fleet, officials announced Thursday.
San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Bill Horn showed off the new helicopter at Gillespie Field.
Horn asked for the helicopter after the May 2014 wildfires.
His proposal was later included in a county study initiated by Supervisor Dianne Jacob, recommending more improvements in fire protection.
"Our helicopter can get to wherever the fire may be and put it out before it becomes a large configuration like the Cedar Fire or the Witch Fire," Horn said.
The new helicopter can carry hand crews or up to 375 gallons of water.
It can also carry heavy equipment and up to nine passengers and can fly up to two hours.
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ASTREA, the San Diego County Sheriff Department's aviation unit will fly the aircraft.
The Erickson Skycrane "Goliath" is also stationed in the county through November. The helicopter, owned and operated by San Diego Gas and Electric, can carry 2,500 gallons of water.
“Goliath” will stay through September and October and will be restricted to operations within San Diego region, according to Cal Fire Chief Tony Mecham.
