Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Friday, August 31, 2018, at 5:40 p.m.
INCIDENT: “Sterling Fire” - vegetation fire
LOCATION: Sterling Avenue at Foothill Drive - North San Bernardino
   
SUMMARY: On Friday, August 31, 2018, at approximately 5:40 p.m., hours, Sheriff’s Helicopter Air Rescue 06, was requested by San Bernardino County Fire Department to assist with a vegetation fire in the foothills near the intersection of Sterling Avenue and Foothill Drive in San Bernardino. The fire was near residential areas and forest lands.
   
Deputies Ryan Conner and Chris Mejia were assigned to Air Rescue 06 and responded to the fire. While responding to the location, the crew coordinated with “Air Attack,” ground units from the San Bernardino County Fire Department, and the U.S. National Forest Service to assist with firefighting efforts. Once on scene, Conner and Mejia began conducting water drops. 
   
The crew conducted a total of twelve water drops. They helped extinguish flames and most important, slow the rate of spread towards the residential areas and forest lands.  
   
Air Rescue 06, a UH-1H Super Huey, type II medium helicopter, was equipped with a Simplex Fire Attack belly tank and is capable of holding up to 375 gallons of water for aerial firefighting. Air Rescue 06, along with Air Rescue 07, and Air Rescue 08 is used as the primary platform for rescue operations throughout the County, however, are always on standby to assist with fire-fighting efforts. In addition to the Department’s rescue helicopter fleet, the patrol helicopter fleet, 40-King, are also capable of conducting water drops by utilizing a bucket system, which is specifically designed for aerial fire-fighting. Patrol crews carry the bucket in the helicopter at all times ensuring they are always prepared.
   
All members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department are committed to the protecting the citizens of San Bernardino County and their homes during fire incidents.
   
Refer: Deputy R. Conner            
Station: Aviation Unit         
Phone No. (909) 252-4100           
Case No.  BDC# 18-179741
                
John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department