Copter Lifts Ambulance In Field Tests
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CLIFF DEKTAR
Staff Correspondent
A new helicopter with large lift capability and double the present water tank capacity was tested during exercises by Los Angeles City and County Fire Departments at the County’s Pacoima heliport facility in the San Fernando Valley.
The Bell 214B Biglifter helicopter was loaned to both departments for a 60-day trial.
The demonstrations and tests at Pacoima in December included a series of water drops, delivery of fire fighting personnel and transportation of an ambulance.
Approval voiced
“The results of the field tests were excellent,” according to Los Angeles County Air Officer James Sanchez. “We were impressed particularly with the 720-gallon tank capacity, which is approximately double any tanks in our current helicopter fleet!”
During the field tests, the new helicopter made several drops on fire stands, airlifted a county camp crew and lifted a Los Angeles City Fire Department rescue ambulance. Observers noted that a lift of this type might have been useful during severe flooding last year in the Big Tujunga Canyon area.
Used at brush fire
After the field tests, the new helicopter had an opportunity to go into actual service on a brush fire in Placerita Canyon. This canyon is just north and east over the San Gabriel Mountains from the Pacoima test site. The helicopter, under United States Forest Service direction, made numerous water drops that aided in eventual control of the fire.
The 214B is a 16-seat (14 passengers, pilot and co-pilot) turbine-powered helicopter with a lifting capability of more than 7000 pounds. It can cruise at 160 mph.
Both Los Angeles City and County Fire Departments use large and small helicopters for brush fire fighting and also occasionally on structural fires.
Los Angeles County F.D. photos
