Broward Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit completes its first aerial firefighting mission using a newly commissioned helicopter

Broward County, Florida – The Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue Aviation Unit reached a major milestone this week, completing its first-ever aerial firefighting mission using a newly commissioned Eurocopter EC145 helicopter. The operation marked a significant expansion of the agency’s emergency response capabilities, particularly in hard-to-reach areas of Broward County.

The mission unfolded around noon on Tuesday, Jan. 27, when a recreational tour boat operator reported a brush fire near mile marker 46 along Interstate 75 in the western portion of the Everglades Wildlife Management Area. The location, surrounded by wetlands and dense vegetation, presented immediate challenges for traditional firefighting crews.

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue responded by deploying both waterborne airboat teams and the Aviation Unit. When responders arrived on scene, they found a fast-moving brush fire covering an area roughly the size of a football field. Dry conditions and open terrain increased the risk of the fire spreading further into the protected Everglades ecosystem.

Recognizing the need for a rapid and coordinated response, ground crews and aviation personnel worked together to contain the blaze. The operation quickly shifted to a targeted aerial suppression effort using the EC145 helicopter’s Bambi Bucket system. The specialized equipment allows crews to collect water from nearby sources and release it accurately over active fire zones.

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During the two-hour mission, the helicopter crew carried out multiple water drops, releasing thousands of gallons of water onto the burning vegetation. The water was drawn from a nearby canal, allowing for efficient refills and continuous suppression. The precise drops helped knock down flames and cool surrounding areas, ultimately stopping the fire before it could expand further.

The helicopter was staffed by a pilot and two flight medics who are cross-trained as both firefighters and paramedics. Their combined expertise allowed the crew to adapt quickly to changing conditions while maintaining close coordination with ground teams operating below.

“This mission demonstrates the critical value of our aviation capabilities in emergency response,” Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony said. “The ability to engage fires from the air gives us a powerful advantage in protecting the environment and public safety across Broward County.”

The successful mission follows months of preparation and investment in expanding the Sheriff’s Office aviation resources. BSO received two Eurocopter EC145 helicopters, with the first delivered in December 2024 and the second in May 2025. These aircraft were added to strengthen aerial operations ranging from law enforcement and rescue missions to firefighting and medical transport.

In September 2025, aviation personnel completed specialized airborne firefighting training, preparing them for live deployment scenarios like the one carried out this week. Tuesday’s operation marked the first time the unit put that training into action during an active fire, offering a real-world test of both equipment and coordination.

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Officials say the mission highlights how aerial firefighting can play a crucial role in protecting environmentally sensitive areas such as the Everglades, where access by land is often limited. By attacking fires from above, crews can slow or stop the spread before flames threaten wildlife habitats, infrastructure, or nearby communities.

Beyond firefighting, the Broward Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit continues to expand its role in emergency medical care. The unit recently became one of the first in Florida to deliver and administer whole blood transfusions to trauma and medical patients while in flight. This capability allows lifesaving treatment to begin sooner, even before patients reach a hospital.

With the successful completion of its first aerial firefighting mission, BSO officials say the Aviation Unit is now better positioned to respond to a wide range of emergencies. The combination of advanced aircraft, specialized training, and multi-skilled crews is expected to enhance public safety efforts across Broward County, both on the ground and in the skies above.