With record-breaking heatwave conditions, our county is under a Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch this Labor Day weekend. Disasters won’t wait for a pandemic to be over. It’s critical you take steps now to help your family and community prepare.
In observance of National Preparedness Month, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and CAL FIRE San Diego launch a wildfire preparedness public service announcement (PSA). The video also features other public safety partners. Click on the photo above to watch the video.
This public safety campaign coincides with the delivery of a new Bell 407 GXi to the Sheriff’s Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies (ASTREA). This patrol helicopter can be equipped with a bucket to help with water drops during a fire. The newest helicopter bears the initials of Sheriff William Gore. It was unveiled as a surprise during his visit at Gillespie Field in El Cajon on Wednesday, September 2nd
Sheriff’s ASTREA is a regional asset that has been providing support to the department and partner agencies in the county since 1971. It currently has nine helicopters. It averages 2,000 missions per year responding to patrol, fire, as well as search and rescue calls around the clock. There are currently three Bell 407 GXis in the fleet. ASTREA is a dynamic team of 26 deputies, pilots, tactical flight officers, mechanics and support staff.
