CAL FIRE’s Sikorsky S-70

Mission

The CAL FIRE HAWK’s primary mission is responding to initial attack wildfires and rescue missions. When responding to wildfires, the helicopter can quickly deliver a Helitack Crew for ground firefighting, which it supports with water drops. The helicopters are deployed for a variety of tasks including transporting cargo, firing operations, mapping, medical evacuations and other emergency missions not related to fires.

CAL FIRE HAWKs are equipped with external hoists, enabling the crew to conduct complex hoist rescue operations. Highly skilled crewmembers are deployed from the hovering aircraft to reach individuals in areas inaccessible by ground crews. After securing the patient in a specialized rescue device, both the crewmember and the rescued person are hoisted back into the helicopter for transport to a designated landing zone for medical care. 

Manufacturer

Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford, Connecticut (Built in Mielec, Poland).

Aircraft Fire Build-Up

United Rotorcraft, Englewood, Colorado.

Original Owner

CAL FIRE, 2019

Acquired by CAL FIRE

In 2018 funding was secured for the purchase of 12 of CAL FIRE’s next generation helicopter, the Sikorsky S70i CAL FIRE HAWK. S70i CAL FIRE HAWK helicopters bring enhanced capabilities including flight safety, higher payloads, increased power margins, and night flying capabilities. In Fiscal Year 2022-2023 additional funding was approved to purchase four additional S70i Fire Hawk Helicopters to increase surge capacity and to maintain operational capabilities during required maintenance cycles.