Los Angeles County plans to spend nearly $30-million to buy two more Sikorsky "Fire Hawk" firefighting helicopters.
The helicopters can drop 1,000 gallons of water, fly in total darkness, and perform hoist rescues in almost any conditions.
"The L.A. County Fire Department is the only municipality in the country that has Fire Hawks for wildland firefighting, so it's really going to enhance our ability to protect the citizens here in this region," said Chief Darryl Osby.
The Department has operated three Fire Hawks for about 15 years, and Osby says the plan is to have five operational during peak brush fire season.
The County also operates several smaller Bell 412 helicopters that can drop water and perform rescues.
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