To ensure the County’s air support readiness during wildfire season, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners approved a contract with Trans Aero LTD, for $1,505,000 during the March 26 Business Meeting. Trans Aero LTD will provide 183 days of exclusive use of a Type 2 helicopter capable of delivering 300 gallons of water to the front lines of a wildfire June 1 through Nov. 30, 2024.
In 2021, the Board adopted the 5-year Fire Operating Plan — which sets forth roles and responsibilities for the County, the State, and the U.S. Forest Service during a wildfire response in Douglas County.
Additionally, from March 27 through Dec. 31, 2024, three call-when-needed air support contracts were approved for use, each for up to $100,000. Three aerial wildland firefighting vendors are capable of providing Boeing DC-10 Air Tankers and numerous helicopters capable of delivering thousands of gallons of water to the front lines of a fire, which may assist as needed with wildfire suppression.
Wildfires can strike in any season, in any neighborhood, and move extremely fast. Aerial support is an essential tool in suppressing a fire’s growth and assisting firefighters on the ground as they work to save lives and property. Douglas County is the only local government in Colorado with an aerial support plan for wildfire.
