August 2, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

California Bolsters Firefighting Fleet Amid Federal Cuts

The transition, which began in 2020, equips the fleet with advanced technology, including a 1,000-gallon water capacity—nearly triple that of the Hueys—and night operation capabilities using night vision goggles

California has completed a major upgrade to its aerial firefighting capabilities, with the arrival of two new Sikorsky S-70i Fire Hawk helicopters at McClellan Airfield, bringing the state’s fleet to 16. The delivery, announced Friday, marks the end of a multi-year effort to replace Vietnam-era Huey UH-1H helicopters across all 10 CAL FIRE Helitack bases, amid concerns over reduced federal firefighting support.

The transition, which began in 2020, equips the fleet with advanced technology, including a 1,000-gallon water capacity—nearly triple that of the Hueys—and night operation capabilities using night vision goggles. During January’s Palisades Fire, CAL FIRE helicopters dropped over 375,000 gallons of water, halting the blaze’s advance toward Mandeville Canyon and the 405 Freeway, potentially saving hundreds of homes. The fleet’s enhanced safety features and hoist systems also improve crew deployment and rescue operations.

The move comes as the Trump administration has cut 10% of U.S. Forest Service positions and 25% of non-wildfire response roles, with a proposed reorganization threatening to close the Pacific Regional Forest Service office. These reductions have raised alarms about wildfire response capacity, especially since federal agencies manage 57% of California’s forests compared to the state’s 3%. Last week, California sent a model executive order to the White House, urging federal action to match state efforts.

CAL FIRE Chief Joe Tyler highlighted the fleet’s role in addressing escalating wildfire threats, noting its first night mission in 2022 during the Electra Fire. The state has also added 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal staff annually over five years, with plans to hire thousands more. Recent investments include $135 million for prevention projects and $72 million for ongoing efforts, part of over $5 billion allocated since 2019.

in Hard, News
<>Related Posts

Heidi Klum’s Tropical Erewhon Smoothie Drops Just in Time for Summer

August 2, 2025

August 2, 2025

Supermodel’s Limited-Edition Drink Blends Kiwi, Coconut, and Matcha Erewhon has debuted its newest celebrity smoothie collaboration, this time with supermodel...

Big Blue Bus to Restore Service on Route to Palisades

August 2, 2025

August 2, 2025

The restoration is part of a broader summer service overhaul aimed at improving coverage across the Westside The Big Blue...

Fatal Crash Claims 9-Year-Old’s Life in Los Angeles

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and was arrested for driving under the influence A tragic traffic...

Malibu Hires New City Manager: Ronda Perez to Lead as City Eyes Recovery and Rebuilding

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

Veteran Public Administrator Ronda Perez Brings Nearly 20 Years of Experience to Malibu The Malibu City Council has voted unanimously...

Santa Monica Creates Film Office to Streamline Permitting and Production Services

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

New Agency Will Take Over From FilmLA After More Than a Decade Beginning September 1, 2025, film permit coordination in...

Santa Monica Pier Launches “PIERfect Benefit” Fundraiser Amid Recovery Efforts

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

The gathering will feature food, signature cocktails, live entertainment, and a program reflecting the Pier’s history and future. Proceeds will...

THIS WEEKEND: 49th Annual Festival of the Chariots to Roll Through Santa Monica and Venice

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

The festival site at Ocean Front Walk Plaza will transform into a lively showcase of Indian culture, expecting around 50,000...

Film Review: The Fantastic Four: First Steps

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

FILM REVIEWTHE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPSRated PG-13115 MinutesReleased July 25th  The Fantastic Four: First Steps has a different aura from...

Aging Mindfully: Zen-Inspired Senior Living Takes Shape in Simi Valley

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

Two Zen-inspired senior living communities are embracing the reality of aging — consciously. Ensō Village, open since 2023 in Sonoma County,...

Palisades, Malibu Among Areas Exempt from SB 9 Under Newsom’s Wildfire Safety Order

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

Newsom Sides with LA Leaders on SB 9 Freeze, Mayor Bass Issues Executive Order Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed...

‘All Stars’ National Night Out Coming to Santa Monica on Tuesday

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

The event, themed “Santa Monica All Stars,” aims to foster police-community partnerships through a sports-inspired evening The Santa Monica Police...

City of Santa Monica Issues Statement on Surprise DTSM Board Member Replacement

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

Santa Monica City Government Defends Emergency Action and Process After the surprising move from the City Council, six members of...

Texas Kitchen Chain to Open Santa Monica Location at Former Fresh Corn Grill Site

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

The Santa Monica outpost will occupy a 3,050-square-foot space featuring a newly built kitchen and a large outdoor patio HomeState,...

Film Review: Together

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

By Dolores Quintana Dave Franco and Alison Brie, a married couple in real life, star in Michael Shanks’ gruesomely passionate...

Family Members Sue City of Santa Monica, Driver After Woman Killed by Car on Beach

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

Lawsuit Alleges City Failed to Prevent Vehicle Access Despite Prior Incidents The family of Sherese Allen, a woman fatally struck...