Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Marin County Fire Department (MCFD) have announced a partnership to enhance wildfire response capabilities in Marin County. Under the agreement, PG&E will provide the County with one of its cutting-edge BlackHawk UH-60 helicopters for the upcoming 2023 fire season. The helicopter will be dispatched by MCFD to any incident that occurs within Marin County and will be available by mutual aid request for dispatch across PG&E’s high-fire risk area.
“This partnership represents a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to address the wildfire risk that threatens our communities,” said Mark Quinlan, Senior Vice President of Wildfire & Emergency Operations at PG&E. “By combining the strengths of PG&E and the Marin County Fire Department, we are determined to deliver effective solutions that will help mitigate and combat devastating wildfires. Our commitment is unwavering, and together, we will work tirelessly to protect our hometowns.”
Marin County Fire Chief Jason Weber echoed the importance of this collaboration: “The Marin County Fire Department is dedicated to safeguarding our community from the ever-growing wildfire threat. This partnership with PG&E marks a significant milestone in our ability to respond quickly and efficiently to wildfires. Together, we stand ready to confront this shared challenge and protect our residents and landscapes.”
The helicopter, equipped with an internal water tank for initial attack firefighting operations, will be stationed in the North Bay to serve Marin County and will also be available to other areas within the PG&E high-fire risk areas.
Operating from July 1 to Oct. 31, this program will be coordinated by MCFD’s Emergency Command Center, which will oversee the dispatching of the helicopter to fire incidents. PG&E’s contractor, PJ Helicopters, will handle the aircraft’s operations and maintenance, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
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