Helicóptero Blackhawk estacionado en el Aeropuerto Castle para combatir incendios forestales en el condado de Merced

PG&E has deployed a Blackhawk helicopter to Castle Airport in Merced County to assist with wildland firefighting efforts, following a request from the Merced County Fire Department. The helicopter arrived on Thursday and will remain stationed at the airport through the fall, providing rapid aerial support for fire incidents in the region.

This aircraft has previously been used to fight fires in Merced County during 2024 and 2025, accumulating 161 flight hours and dropping 814,691 gallons of water. PG&E will cover the costs for pilots on standby and the first two hours of each flight, ensuring that the helicopter is ready to respond quickly to emerging threats.

The deployment underscores the ongoing collaboration between utility companies and local fire agencies to mitigate wildfire risks, particularly during the peak fire season. The helicopter's arrival is part of a broader strategy to enhance firefighting capabilities in the Central Valley, where dry conditions and strong winds often lead to fast-spreading blazes.