Los Angeles awards Erickson new firefighting contract

Erickson Sikorksy S-64

Erickson has won a new five-year contract with the City of Los Angeles for aerial firefighting services.

The greater Los Angeles area is one of the most populous and high-value regions in the US and often faces high temperatures with an arid climate during the summer that can lead to fires.

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Udo Rieder, CEO of Erickson, said: “We have tremendous respect for the expert firefighting authorities in the greater Los Angeles area and their devotion to keeping the City and its people safe from fires. We are proud to provide continued support to these courageous firefighting crews and their crucial missions through our aerial firefighting efforts.”

Erickson has been in Southern California for 14 years, fighting fires for Los Angeles County and San Diego Gas and Electric.

Erickson will provide one S-64 helicopter equipped with the company’s 2,650-gallon fire suppression system, a detachable water tank with multiple refill options and eight coverage levels for targeted fire suppression.

The Los Angeles Fire Department Air Operations Centre at Van Nuys Airport will serve as the staging area for the helitanker, which will be available for fire suppression efforts at all times during the contractual service periods.

“The Los Angeles City Fire Department is pleased to continue working with Erickson, as both our department and our residents value the company’s elite aerial fire suppression services,” said Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas. “Together, our two organisations help save lives and resources when time is of the essence.”