News
Skycrane Added to Air Assets Available Countywide to Battle Fires
HEMET (CNS) – A new addition to the airborne firefighting fleet will be arriving just in time for Wildfire Season in Riverside County, stationed at Hemet-Ryan Airport, officials announced Thursday.
A Sikorsky S-64 helicopter, better known as a “Skycrane” for its L- shape configuration and lack of an integral cargo bay, will be added to the fleet of UH-1 choppers and S-2 Tracker twin-engine airplanes traditionally based at Hemet-Ryan by Cal Fire.
The Skycrane, which is expected to be situated at the airfield by next week, is owned and operated by a private company that contracts with the state under an “exclusive use” agreement, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
“(It) has a tank mounted to the belly of the helicopter that can deliver more than 2,000 gallons of water per drop,” the agency said.
Battalion Chief Dave Rodriguez, who oversees Cal Fire air operations out of Hemet-Ryan, said that the Skycrane will help ensure the department achieves “its goal of keeping 95% of fires contained at 10 acres or less.”
“In addition to our air base’s aerial firefighting fleet, the S-64 will be beneficial in slowing the spread of dangerous wildland fires and keeping Riverside County residents, visitors and our firefighters safe,” he said.
The aircraft will be available for deployment over a 90-day period, according to officials.
The S-64s have been utilized in civilian and military operations for decades.
Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.
By: Pristine Villarreal
June 15, 2023
Latest Instagram Posts
Data centers on pause. ✋ Palm Springs City Council unanimously extended it’s moratorium through August 25, 2028, giving the city time to set zoning rules. What do you think of the decision? 🌴
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
About 650,000 ballots and election materials are back with Riverside County election officials after the California Supreme Court ruled their seizure violated state election law. The materials remain under the registrar’s control as officials determine next steps.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Do you get excited or stressed about the upcoming holiday season (or both) ?
BREAKING: Human remains believed to be those of 17-year-old T’neya Tovar have been discovered at a second site in the Salton City area, according to the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office. A skull and rib cage were found during a search involving Imperial County investigators and the FBI. Testing is still needed to confirm the remains belong to Tovar. The discovery comes one day after suspect Finebloom pleaded guilty to torture and voluntary manslaughter as part of a plea agreement that could result in a sentence of 13 years to life. More details on NBCPalmSprings.com
NBC Palm Springs went back to Indio Hills today after Dillon Road flooded last night, forcing many residents to leave. One resident told us he is back today, working on repairs—after his home faced extensive damage in the flood. be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for a live look at the area today. #coachellavalley #weather #flood #indiohills #weather
This afternoon in Salton City, the FBI and Imperial County Sheriff’s Department were in the neighborhood of Abraham Feinbloom. Searching just after a plea deal was made to where Feinbloom agreed to show investigators where the remains of T’Neya Tovar are. Feinbloom pled guilty to one count of torture and voluntary manslaughter. Tonight you’ll hear from neighbors who have been following the case from the very beginning, that story will be on nbcpalmsprings.com #nbcpalmsprings #abrahamfeinbloom #fyp #murdercase #missingteenager
“WHAT ARE YOU HIDING?” Why won’t CVUSD just open the books? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #cvusd #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
🌧️ Flash flooding swept across parts of the Coachella Valley overnight, leaving vehicles stranded and roads closed. CHP and emergency crews responded as water, rocks and debris impacted roadways in Indio Hills and along Dillon Road. Drivers in that area are urged to use alternate routes.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Who’s your baseball team?