In 2010, the air unit got the green light to acquire a smaller, nimbler asset to aid in law enforcement patrol and surveillance and act as a command and control helicopter to work with its existing fleet of larger Hueys. A second-hand Bell 206L Long Ranger was selected and, after years of refurbishment work, this helicopter recently entered service

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell Model 206 Jet Ranger / OH-58 Kiowa - СШАUSA - 1966

Air Unit 9 drops on the Springs Fire in 2013, saving a large tract of nearby homes from potential destruction and demonstrates the Simplex Fire Attack tank’s large water-dropping capability.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell Model 212 / UH-1N - СШАUSA - 1968

Helicopters 8 and 9, respectively the Bell 205B and the twin engine Bell 212.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell Model 212 / UH-1N - СШАUSA - 1968Bell UH-1D Iroquois / Model 205 - СШАUSA - 1961

Pilot Ken Williams manoeuvers a Huey through the foothills of Ventura County, one of the many environments in the county.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell Model 212 / UH-1N - СШАUSA - 1968

Helicopter 6 dips its snorkel into Lake Sherwood to refill the Simplex tank. The fire was under two miles away from this water source, demonstrating the air unit's ability to quickly refill and be back on the fire line within minutes.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell UH-1D Iroquois / Model 205 - СШАUSA - 1961

The helipads (bottom left) the air unit use are on wheels, enabling the aircraft to easily be towed in and out of the hangar for weather or maintenance.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell UH-1D Iroquois / Model 205 - СШАUSA - 1961

The Simplex Aerospace Fire Attack tank can carry 375 US gallons (1,419 litres) of water.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell UH-1D Iroquois / Model 205 - СШАUSA - 1961

Senior Deputy Darin Rich assists firefighter Randy Gilbert after hoisting him from the rocks below in the high mountain area of Ventura County in the Los Padres National Forest.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell UH-1D Iroquois / Model 205 - СШАUSA - 1961