Texas A&M Forest Service to purchase helicopters for wildfire response

Texas A&M Forest Service to purchase helicopters for wildfire response

Texas A&M Forest Service looks to purchase two helicopters as the first step toward creating a dedicated, state-managed fleet of aircraft for fighting wildfires.

The SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters are expected to provide faster aerial response, precision water drops and greater access to rugged terrain during wildfire suppression efforts. The first helicopter is expected to be delivered in December 2027, with the second expected three to six months later.

“Texas families and communities depend on strong protection from wildfires,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. “This investment in a dedicated fleet of firefighting aircraft gives our responders faster response times and greater strength to contain fires.”

The aircraft purchase comes as the state continues to experience increased wildfire activity. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, 6,304 wildfires burned 132,366 acres across Texas.

During those responses, wildfire suppression aircraft flew 1,589 hours and made 1,345 drops, which delivered more than 1 million gallons of water and fire retardant. The service said the new helicopters are intended to help firefighters get aerial resources to fires sooner before they can grow into larger incidents.

In 2011, the costliest and most destructive wildfire in Texas history occurred in Bastrop County. From the first week of September to the last week of October, the Bastrop County Complex Fire killed two people and injured 12 more, burning 32,000 acres. Over 1,700 homes and buildings were destroyed, inflicting $350 million in property damage.

Texas has historically relied on federal resource- sharing agreements and a partnership with the Texas Military Department for aerial wildfire suppression. Those partnerships will continue as the state develops its own fleet.

The Texas Legislature allocated $257 million to the Texas A&M Forest Service to purchase, operate and maintain the two aircraft. According to the service, the purchase is the first step in a planned two-year expansion that will add more aircraft over time, including multimission fixed-wing planes and large airtankers.

“Texas is growing, and so is the risk of catastrophic wildfire,” Chancellor Glenn Hegar said in a statement. “These aircraft will give Texas A&M Forest Service another critical tool to respond quickly, support firefighters on the ground and help protect lives, property and natural resources across our state.”

Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief Jared Karns said in a statement that the new aircraft will provide a significant addition to the state’s wildfire preparedness efforts.

“Aviation resources provide tremendous support to firefighters on the ground, including life and property saving intelligence for firefighters and access to otherwise inaccessible areas,” he said.

“Texas is growing, and so is the risk of catastrophic wildfire.”

— Chancellor Glenn Hegar, Texas A&M