FIRE 7 Reports for Duty
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) uses helicopters to combat wildfires, conduct rescues, and provide command and control during emergencies. These aircraft are invaluable pieces of the city’s firefighting capability, and they endure extreme stress and wear during their tours of duty. That’s why the LAFD Foundation was proud to provide a new Bell 505 to join the fleet.
Generous Donations Brought FIRE 7 to the City
This new helicopter arrives due to the efforts of the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
The LAFD Foundation uses donations from the people and organizations of Los Angeles to provide equipment and services to the 3400+ firefighters working in the city. In what is currently the single largest and most tactically significant campaign in its history, the Foundation raised roughly $2.6 million to purchase a new Bell 505 for the LAFD.
The LAFD’s newest aircraft is a light-duty helicopter, one of two in the LAFD fleet. These nimble, versatile craft excel at providing Command and Control, coordinating and deconflicting the surrounding airspace, and observing incidents to provide a clear picture to the emergency workers on the ground.
Inside the aircraft, the Helicopter Coordinator Officer (HLCO) can use the advanced instruments and communication equipment to provide detailed intel for the responding firefighters. Most recently, FIRE 7 assisted as a command craft during a swift water rescue downtown.
Captain Brandon Ruedy of Fire Station 114 Air Operations Unit (Air Ops) is excited to welcome the new helicopter later this year. “FIRE 7 has improved capabilities, including a higher capacity water tank and more modern instruments.” The light helicopter also serves as a training platform for incoming pilots. “It will help familiarize [the new pilots] on a single engine craft before they move to dual engines.”
The Los Angeles Fire Department operates Air Ops at Fire Station 114 on the grounds of Van Nuys Airport (KVNY). Staffed by a crew of pilots, aeromedics, and helitac members, this unit stands by 24 hours a day to respond to any emergency. Currently, the LAFD helicopter fleet is a combination of five medium and two light-duty helicopters.
The new FIRE 7 will provide the LAFD with significant tactical and technological advantages in protecting Los Angeles against wildfires and other emergencies and will serve for years to come.
Donations Save Lives and Empower the Department
The LAFD Foundation works to support the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department, providing equipment and services that they need in order to do their jobs. 97% of the LAFD budget goes toward personnel, leaving only 3% for vital equipment and Station maintenance or amenities. The Foundation reaches out to donors year-round, and every dollar counts. Your donation puts tools into the hands of the hardworking Firefighters of this great city, and there is no amount too small.
If you would like to support the LAFD Foundation and help provide for the Firefighters of Los Angeles, become a donor today by clicking below.
