Expedition Helicopters’ Black Hawk will be within the Golden State inside 24 hours of getting a name for service
COCHRANE, ONT – An Ontario helicopter firm is able to assist combat the devastating wildfires burning in California.
Expedition Helicopters’ UH-60 Black Hawk is stationed in Sandpoint, Idaho.
“We are ready to go but have not been asked to assist at this time,” stated firm president Todd Calaiezzi.
4 main wildfires within the Los Angeles, California, space have unfold to over 36,000 acres. The devastating fires have compelled tens of hundreds of individuals from their properties and fully demolished neighbourhoods.
Canadian water bombers are already serving to combat the blazes, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced on Thursday. There are additionally 250 firefighters able to deploy and the Canadian Armed Forces are on stand by to assist transfer personnel and gear.
The Cochrane helicopter has been in Idaho at Timberline Helicopters, an American operator, for the reason that finish of the 2024 fireplace season, when it was used to assist combat Fort McMurray-area fires.
Whereas Calaiezzi acknowledged the USA’ substantial firefighting assets, he stated the distinctive nature of the present wildfires in California, has turn into a “high-profile” occasion and will result in an eventual name for assist.
Expedition Helicopters can have the Black Hawk in California inside 24 hours of a name for service.
“We’re crewed and ready to go,” Calaiezzi stated.
The Black Hawk can carry as much as 900 gallons of water and would possible help with water bucketing, Calaiezzi stated.
“It also has foam injection, so we can inject foam, fire retardant, into the pool the water, which is very useful, especially in an urban fire, because there’s a lot more things than just trees burning,” he stated.
The corporate bought the previous U.S. navy helicopter final summer season. It’s the third helicopter of its type to function in Canada.
SEE: Black Hawk ‘Up’ to combating wildfires
A pair of Quebec water bombers and their crews have been serving to since Tuesday.
Quebec is sending two extra firefighting plane to the state after one of many water bombers was grounded after hitting a drone, the Canadian Press reported immediately.
Calaiezzi stated the deployment of the Quebec water bombers is essential.
“Given the close proximity to the ocean, the CL-415 will be effective in helping them. That’s one of the biggest challenges with California now, is water. And that 415 aircraft is well equipped to pick up water on the ocean and basically bring it to where it’s needed on the fire,” he stated.
With wildfires changing into extra frequent and intense, Calaiezzi sees elevated alternatives for Canadian firms like his to assist internationally.
“We are exploring firefighting opportunities in Chile, Indonesia, and Australia, and we are looking to expand into the U.S.,” he stated.
This growth would enable the corporate to deploy extra shortly and successfully, as they might have the required American certifications and approvals in place, Calaiezzi stated.
Because the California wildfires proceed to wreak havoc, Calaiezzi stated they’re “all thinking of them.”
“Hopefully they can get this thing under control sooner than later because it’s a very serious matter,” he stated.
