San Diego Regional Fire Helicopter Program

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The San Diego Regional Fire Helicopter Program was established in August 2002 to fill a dangerous gap in aerial firefighting resources in San Diego County. A Bell 212HP was delivered August with the help of $200,000 from the San Diego Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies. The helicopter, call sign Copter 1, has been in use since then, playing a key role in the Cedar Fire of 2003 as well as the October 2007 California wildfires. In addition to firefighting, it is an invaluable tool in performing aerial rescues such as pulling injured hikers from Cowles Mountain as well as airlifting victims from vehicle accidents. A second helicopter is expected to be in service by August 2008.