New tool for firefighters in San Diego County. More at 4 @SanDiego6 pic.twitter.com/JjHmMHNHrM
— Scott Baird (@sdnewsphotog) August 13, 2015
Firefighters in the San Diego region received a boost Thursday as San Diego Gas & Electric announced the return of a large helicopter tanker for a sixth year, and the city of San Diego opened a temporary fire station in a neighborhood plagued by slow response times.
The helicopter, an Erickson Skycrane, has a 2,500-gallon capacity to carry and drop water and can be in the air within 20 minutes, according to SDG&E.
"The Skycrane is one of the most effective and extraordinary fire- fighting resources available in the nation," said Caroline Winn, chief energy delivery officer for the utility. "We're pleased to bring it back a sixth straight year for use by fire agencies wherever the need is greatest."
SDG&E said the big chopper will be stationed at Gillespie Field in El Cajon through November, and can stay on longer if conditions warrant.
A ribbon-cutting was held to open the temporary station in Skyline Hills, which will serve the area until a permanent facility can be built. It will house a fire engine and four firefighters.
Skyline Hills is one of numerous areas of San Diego highlighted in a 2011 consultant's report as needing a fire station.
The facility, Fire Station 51, is located at the intersection of Skyline Drive and Sychar Road.
