To: Board of Supervisors
From: Lewis Broschard, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Contract for Firefighting Helicopter Services
?Recommendation of the County Administrator ? Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Acting as the governing body of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief or designee, to negotiate and execute a contract with an aviation firm to be determined by the Fire Chief, in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 for aerial firefighting services during an approximately 60-day period commencing on or about September 1, 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% CCCFPD General Operating Fund. The Fire District anticipates a simultaneous agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company to reimburse the district for 80% of the costs. Following reimbursement, the net impact on the CCCFPD general fund is not expected to exceed $300,000 (20% of $1,500,000).
BACKGROUND:
The Fire District has contemplated a more advanced aerial firefighting option for several years. Following two years of relatively mild fire seasons, the 2024 season is proving to be challenging, locally, regionally, and throughout the State. The district was approached by Pacific Gas and Electric this season with an offer to participate in a program that allows the district to receive reimbursement for approximately 80% of leasing a firefighting helicopter for two months, the peak months of fire season. Through this partnership, the district can lease this tool and make it immediately available locally to lessen the impact of wildland fires in the County.
The district proposes contracting with an aviation firm specializing in supplying helicopters to CAL FIRE and/or the United States Forest Service (USFS) for firefighting. The selected firm will provide a type 2 helicopter, pilot, and associated support crew for 60 days during what is anticipated to be the peak fire season months of September and October...
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