For Immediate Release  
Date: 9/26/2023

Orange County Board of Supervisors Approve Vital Agreement to Support Sheriff's Department Fire Suppression Helicopters During Wildfire Season

(Santa Ana, CA) – Today, the Orange County Board of Supervisors, under the leadership of Chairman Don Wagner, unanimously approved the renewal of a critical lease agreement aimed at bolstering the preparedness and capabilities of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for the upcoming wildfire season.

This agreement will grant the Sheriff’s Department access to as-needed fire suppression helicopter services in partnership with Orange County Fire Authority as we enter the wildfire season in California. These helicopters will be used to support the work that our Orange County Fire Authority does to combat wildfires in our vulnerable regions.

"Our Sheriff’s Department's helicopters are an indispensable asset in our fight against wildfires and other emergencies,” said Chairman Wagner. “As we approach wildfire season, it is crucial that we equip our dedicated first responders with the tools they need to keep our community safe. This agreement reaffirms our commitment to ensuring the highest level of preparedness and response during challenging times."

The Sheriff's Air Support Bureau helicopters have been a steadfast resource for the State of California since 1996, allowing the Sheriff’s Department to play a crucial role in fire suppression efforts in wildland areas. The call-when-needed services offered under this agreement are instrumental in ensuring the safety and security of our community during wildfires and other emergency situations.

These services include vital functions such as aerial reconnaissance, fire suppression through the transportation of personnel and equipment, and water dropping capabilities. The agreement ensures that the Sheriff’s Department has the authority to properly allocate resources efficiently and effectively to combat wildfires and protect lives and property.

In addition to providing support to the State, this agreement enables the Sheriff to deploy helicopters for other emergencies within Orange County, ensuring our residents are protected in various crisis situations.

To learn more about the Third District office, please visit donwagnerca.com and follow him on social media @donwagnerca for the latest updates.

###