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Jul
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2025
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Posted 8 days ago ago by Admin
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In the verdant expanse of Flagler County, Florida, where wildlands interface with burgeoning communities, a unique and vital aerial asset stands ready to protect lives and property: the Flagler County Fire Rescue FireFlight Helicopter Program. More than just a worthy air ambulance or needed fire suppression tool, FireFlight is a multi-mission platform, a testament to proactive public safety, and a symbol of the county's commitment to its residents. Born from the ashes of devastating wildfires, this program has evolved into one of the most comprehensive and aggressive airborne emergency response units in the Southeast United States.
During our visit, Rotor Pro had the opportunity to meet and fly with Todd Whaley, FireFlight’s Director of Operations and Director of Maintenance, to learn more about the Flagler County program. It is a program that is definitely punching above its weight utilizing two pilots, six flight medics, and the Airbus H125 to perform a wide variety of missions in an effort to protect and service the citizens and visitors of Flagler County, Florida. Whaley, who has accumulated over 5,000 flight hours of flying experience, has been pivotal in shaping the program.
Legacy Forged in Fire
The genesis of the FireFlight program is inextricably linked to the harrowing wildfire season of 1998. That summer, Flagler and its neighboring counties were engulfed in infernos that scorched over 234,000 acres, destroyed 71 homes in Flagler County alone, and led to the unprecedented county-wide evacuation of all 45,000 residents. Additionally, there were more than $300 million in timber losses. The experience was a stark and terrifying wake-up call, highlighting the critical need for a dedicated, local aerial resource capable of rapid fire attack and containment.
In response, Flagler County invested in its future. In 2002, with Landfill Bond money specifically designated for fire suppression, the county purchased a used Airbus AS350 B3 Astar helicopter (serial number 2968). This robust single-engine light utility helicopter, the first B3 model helicopter to be used in North America, became the inaugural FireFlight. Its acquisition marked a pivotal shift in the county's emergency preparedness, moving from a reactive stance to a proactive one.
Embracing Modernization: The Arrival of the Airbus H125
In August 2024, Flagler County ushered in a new era with the introduction of an Airbus H125, replacing the venerable AS350 B3. This state-of-the-art aircraft boasts enhanced capabilities, which include a more powerful engine, increased payload-lifting capacity, dual hydraulic systems for improved safety, and an advanced engine-management system that continuously self-monitors for optimal performance.
The new H125 was completed by Wysong Enterprises in Bristol Tennessee, and is chocked full of upgraded mission equipment. These advancements significantly bolster FireFlight's operational efficiency and safety:
- SEI Industries 210-gallon Bambi Bucket and Heli Case 20-gallon foam injection system
- Premo Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PSD) aerial ignition machine
- Trakka mission suite of products, which features a high-resolution FLIR imaging camera, a Trakka Beam searchlight for superior nighttime operations, and on-board digital mapping systems
- Lifeport medical interior
- Aerodynamix night vision compatible cockpit
- Technisonic radio / communications system
- Spidertracks Flight Following system
- Loud hailer PA / speaker system for increased communications capability during emergencies
Multi-Mission Prowess
While its primary mission remains wildland fire suppression, FireFlight’s capabilities extend far beyond. The program was intentionally designed as a "Swiss Army knife" of emergency response, adaptable to a wide array of critical incidents.
At the core of FireFlight's operations is its ability to combat wildfires, especially those in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. Equipped with a 210-gallon "Bambi Bucket" and SEI Industries 20-gallon foam-injection unit, utilizing EnforcerOne, Firebull A/B foam concentrate which provides the equivalent firefighting power of 10 water buckets, the helicopter can drop over 200 gallons of water or foam mixture on fires, helping to extinguish them or contain them until ground crews can arrive. FireFlight pilots are highly trained wildland firefighters themselves, possessing in-depth knowledge of fire behavior and local fuel types. They are often the first on scene and take the initiative to attack small fires before they escalate into uncontrollable blazes. This proactive approach, including daily reconnaissance flights during fire season, has been instrumental in preventing countless large-scale wildfires.
Through mutual aid agreements, the Fireflight helicopter also covers large areas of neighboring counties providing initial attack on wildfire incidents, making it a quick response regional asset.
The practice of preemptive “reconnaissance flights" during certain conditions and times of the year is what sets FireFlight apart from most aerial firefighting programs. During high fire risk periods of drought and wind, or during increased lightning activity, the helicopter will launch with the Bambi-bucket in search of small fires.
If a fire is spotted, the pilot will put into motion a series of actions in order to get ahead of the flames. First, it will notify dispatch and request the appropriate amount of resources, which may include Florida Forest Service crews, water tankers, brush trucks and fire engines. Second, it will launch the unit’s custom flight truck. Driven by the on-duty firefighter / flight medic, the flight truck will follow the helicopter to each fire and carries an additional 300 gallons of jet-fuel and 40 gallons of foam. “The flight truck is a force multiplier on a working fire as it allows the helicopter to remain on-scene for up to eight hours without a lapse in attacks on a fire line,” said Whaley.
Additional Capabilities include:
Emergency Medical Transportation: Recognizing the importance of rapid medical transport, FireFlight is also certified as an FAA Part 135 air carrier and a Florida State Certified air ambulance. This allows the helicopter to transport critically injured patients to trauma centers quickly, often making the difference between life and death, particularly in rural areas or when ground transport would be too slow. The helicopter's spacious cabin allows flight medics to work efficiently while en route. Being an FAA Part 135 air carrier and Florida State Certified air ambulance allows the program to bill for some critical medical transport services. With this certification, the program is smartly offsetting some of the taxpayer expense by generating over $3.75 million in revenue since inception.
Law Enforcement Support: FireFlight is an invaluable asset for the Flagler County Sheriff's Office and the city police departments of Bunnell and Flagler Beach. Equipped with a Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) camera system capable of detecting minute temperature differences from miles away, and a powerful Trakka Beam searchlight for nighttime operations, the helicopter provides crucial aerial surveillance and tracking capabilities. It should be noted that the program’s flight-medics are cross-trained as tactical flight officers (TFO) for law enforcement support operations. The program has assisted in numerous criminal arrests, search for suspects, and provided overwatch during high-risk situations, allowing ground units to operate more safely and effectively.
Search and Rescue: Whether it's a lost hiker in the wilderness, a missing person in a residential area, or an individual stranded in water, FireFlight can play a critical role in search-and-rescue missions. Its aerial perspective, combined with advanced camera systems, and night-vision-goggle (NVG) capability significantly increases the chances of locating individuals swiftly. The crew can also deploy rescue swimmers for marine rescue operations and even life rafts if needed.
FAA Part 133 External Load Certified: Given the consistent proactiveness of the unit, it has also become an FAA Part 133 external load operator. The rationale is that if the aircraft were to be called out to a multi-day mutual aid firefighting assignment in another jurisdiction, it could bill for services to recoup some of the operational expenses for the program.
Operational Excellence and Continuous Evolution
The FireFlight program is a substantial investment, with the new helicopter costing approximately $5.4 million. Funding for the program comes from various sources, including county budgets, with patient transport fees also generating some revenue. The program's operational costs, include personnel, maintenance, fuel, and insurance. This requires ongoing financial commitment.
Since inception, the program has executed over 7200 flights which includes 873 medical transports, engaged in 858 wildfire suppression missions, assisted in 308 search and rescue operations, and supported 901 law enforcement activities . Its 210-gallon Bambi Bucket facilitated the delivery of over 2.4 million gallons of water and foam, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and property.
While the program has been an undeniable success, there remains some discussion within the community and among county officials about expanding FireFlight to a 24-hour operation. Currently, it operates between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Proponents argue that round-the-clock availability would further enhance response times and eliminate the need to rely on mutual aid from outside agencies for night emergencies, truly making FireFlight a constant guardian for Flagler County.
The success of the FireFlight program is a testament to its highly trained team, meticulous operational protocols and commitment to continuous improvement. The team comprises dedicated pilots and firefighter/flight paramedics, all of whom undergo rigorous training to maintain their certifications and skills. “I hate to say it out loud because we don't like Murphy (of Murphy’s law), but since this aircraft came online in 2002, there has not been one occupied structure lost in this county due to a wildfire, and that is something that we're very proud of,” said Whaley.
The Flagler County Fire Rescue FireFlight Helicopter Program stands as a shining example of how a community, spurred by past challenges, can proactively invest in its safety and well-being. From its origins in wildfire suppression to its current multi-mission capabilities encompassing medical transport, law enforcement support, and search and rescue, FireFlight has consistently proven its worth. It is more than just a piece of equipment; it is a dedicated team of professionals, a symbol of preparedness, and a vital lifeline that continues to protect and serve the residents of Flagler County.
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