SDFD Adds Helicopter Fueling Truck to Fleet

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department put a new helicopter fueling truck in operation last week to increase the capability of the department’s air operations division. This truck is now one of two fuel trucks for the Air Operations division and will allow each of the department’s firefighting helicopters to work in separate areas without having to return to their base to refuel, according to a SDFD spokesman.

“This can make a critical difference in a fast moving incident like a wildfire,” Air Operations Chief Perry Esquer said in a release. “You want to keep the helicopters at the scene for as much time as you can.”

The truck was paid for by a grant from the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund, a provision of the gaming compact the tribes have with the state. The fund is overseen by the San Diego County Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee and sponsored by the Barona Band of Mission Indians and Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.

The new truck can carry 1,800 gallons of jet fuel and costs $179,235. SDFD spent an additional $28,771 to outfit the truck with lights, sirens, radios and other specialized equipment.