PZL Mielec enter contract with Czech Republic

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured News

Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK helicopters to help fight European wildfires

PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company has announced a contract with Česká Letecká Servisní (CLS) and the Czech Republic Ministry of Interior for two new Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK helicopters, marking the first international fleet of its kind.

FIREHAWK helicopters play a key role in responding to the most challenging wildfires and emergencies across the United States.

This expansion onto the European continent comes at a critical time when wildfires have become an increasingly pressing local concern.

The 2025 wildfire season in Europe has been the worst on record, with over 1 million hectares burned, highlighting the urgent need for effective and reliable aerial firefighting solutions.

Supported by the European Commission’s RescEU program, these aircraft will be based in the Czech Republic and available to enhance aerial firefighting and emergency response missions throughout Europe.

Under the agreement, the Czech Republic Ministry of Interior has the option to acquire a third FIREHAWK helicopter at a future date.

President and General Director, PZL Mielec, Janusz Zakręcki’s statement

Janusz Zakręcki, President and General Director of PZL Mielec explained: “As wildfires increasingly threaten communities across Europe, we are proud that PZL Mielec can provide such advanced helicopters to keep residents, resources and infrastructure safe for decades to come.

“This helicopter, produced in Poland, is a clear example of how our technology supports critical wildfire and emergency response efforts and we look forward to continuously expanding the fleet’s reach into new countries around the globe.”

Black Hawk helicopters

FIREHAWKs begin as Black Hawk helicopters made in Europe by PZL Mielec in Poland.

Each Black Hawk manufactured at its cutting-edge production facility is the result of hundreds of engineers, technicians, and specialists who ensure the aircraft’s safety and reliability.

The company is one of Poland’s biggest defense exporters, employing 1,700 workers and indirectly sustaining about 5,000 jobs across the European Union with its network of 1,200 local suppliers.

Dr. Dennis Goege, Lockheed Martin Vice President and Chief Executive for Europe said: “Welcoming the FIREHAWK to Europe represents a major leap forward in the continent’s wildfire and emergency response.

“By combining the FIREHAWK’s proven capabilities with the expertise of European emergency responders, we can more efficiently and effectively manage the growing threat of wildfires.”

Chief Executive Officer, Česká Letecká Servisní, Monika Kowalczykova’s statement

Monika Kowalczykova, Chief Executive Officer of Česká Letecká Servisní added: “We are proud to partner with PZL Mielec and United Rotorcraft to bring this revolutionary aerial firefighting capability to Europe for the first time.

“The FIREHAWK’s unparalleled capabilities and abilities to operate in challenging conditions will provide European communities with a vital tool in the fight against devastating wildfires.”

Black Hawk helicopters are modified into FIREHAWK helicopters for aerial firefighting and disaster relief exclusively by US-based United Rotorcraft.

The Colorado-based company has now delivered 28 FIREHAWK helicopters to US agencies, with an additional 5 more currently in production.

In order to support this first delivery in Europe, United Rotorcraft will be partnering with CLS to outfit these helicopters locally.

President, United Rotorcraft, Larry Alexandre’s statement

Larry Alexandre, President of United Rotorcraft shared his opinion: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to see the FIREHAWK make its debut in Europe.

“We look forward to working with CLS on this first build outside of Colorado.”

With its 1,000-gallon (3,785 liter) water tank, retractable snorkel, twin turbine engine, and night vision capability, the FIREHAWK is designed to stop fires in their tracks before they have the chance to grow.

US public safety agencies routinely rely on FIREHAWKs night and day through dangerous and deteriorating conditions that force other aircraft to remain grounded.

FIREHAWK aircraft’s in action

Currently, 28 FIREHAWK aircraft support the Los Angeles County Fire Department, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Ventura County Fire Department, Santa Barbara Fire Department, Orange County Fire Authority and the State of Colorado Division of Fire Protection and Control.

Lockheed Martin company Sikorsky and CAL FIRE recently announced a new initiative to expand the research, innovation and operational capabilities of firefighting aviation resources, including the exploration of an autonomous FIREHAWK helicopter.

PZL Mielec enter contract with Czech Republic: Summary

PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company has announced a contract with Česká Letecká Servisní (CLS) and the Czech Republic Ministry of Interior for two new Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK helicopters, marking the first international fleet of its kind.

Vallfirest strengthens Water Hog bucket distribution and service network in EMEA

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured NewsFire SuppressionWildland Fire

Vallfirest appoints Heliswiss Ibérica for EMEA

Vallfirest has announced in Barcelona on Friday 14 November 2025 a strategic agreement with Heliswiss Ibérica for distribution and after-sales service of its Water Hog bucket across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

According to Vallfirest, Heliswiss Ibérica will manage product distribution, technical assistance and after-sales support for the Water Hog bucket in the region.

The company said the arrangement is intended to shorten delivery times while giving aerial operators a dedicated contact for technical support.

Heliswiss Ibérica is described as a company specialised in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, leasing and equipment distribution.

Vallfirest stated that combining its wildland firefighting systems expertise with Heliswiss Ibérica’s aeronautical experience will offer a more complete service to helicopter operators involved in wildfire response.

Water Hog bucket in Vallfirest aerial line

Vallfirest explained that the Water Hog bucket forms part of its Aerial product line for wildland firefighting.

The company said the equipment is designed to address current wildfire conditions, characterised by higher fire intensity, faster spread and more complex logistics.

By positioning the Water Hog bucket within a dedicated aerial portfolio, Vallfirest aims to align the product with the operational needs of helicopter-based firefighting missions.

The firm noted that the bucket is intended for use on helicopters that support wildland firefighting operations across varied terrains and fire environments.

Distribution network focused on wildfire readiness

Vallfirest said the partnership with Heliswiss Ibérica establishes a consolidated distribution network across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The company reported that this network is set up to provide rapid delivery of Water Hog buckets to customers in the region.

It added that operators will have access to specialised technical assistance through Heliswiss Ibérica’s aeronautical support capabilities.

According to Vallfirest, this structure is designed to improve access to equipment solutions for aerial operators using the Water Hog bucket.

The company stated that the partnership is intended to enhance the operational readiness of helicopters equipped with the Water Hog bucket.

Vallfirest and Heliswiss Ibérica described their shared aim as increasing safety, efficiency and effectiveness in wildland firefighting operations that rely on helicopter deployments.

Leadership perspectives on the partnership

Vallfirest said its leadership views the collaboration as a way to strengthen the value offered to aerial operators in the EMEA market.

Javier Baena, CEO of Vallfirest, said: “We are very pleased to collaborate with Heliswiss Ibérica; their experience in the aeronautical sector and their presence in the EMEA market allow us to strengthen our value proposition for aerial operators.”

The companies highlighted that the arrangement covers both sales and ongoing operational support for the Water Hog bucket.

Xavier Domingo, CEO of Heliswiss Ibérica, stated: “Our commitment is to offer customers complete support—from sales to maintenance—of Vallfirest equipment.

“We aim to ensure that Water Hog buckets are always available and operational, especially when every minute counts in wildfire response.”

Aerial wildfire operators and procurement impact in EMEA

The agreement between Vallfirest and Heliswiss Ibérica is directly relevant to helicopter operators and fleet managers responsible for wildland firefighting across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

According to Vallfirest, the partnership creates a defined distribution route for the Water Hog bucket and links it to a dedicated technical support structure in the aeronautical sector.

For procurement officers and equipment specifiers working with aerial firefighting assets, the presence of a regional after-sales and maintenance partner may influence decisions about bucket systems for contracted or in-house fleets.

The companies’ focus on rapid delivery and specialised technical assistance means that organisations planning for wildfire seasons can factor availability and service coverage for Water Hog buckets into their readiness planning.

Wildland firefighting agencies and emergency response managers that use helicopter support may see practical implications in areas such as equipment uptime, access to repairs and coordination of bucket supply during periods of intense wildfire activity.

California accelerates wildfire projects under state emergency

by Aerial FirefightingAmericas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsWildland Fire

Governor announces wildfire project approvals

The Office of Governor Gavin Newsom has reported that California has accelerated more than 100 wildfire prevention projects in response to federal budget reductions.

According to the Governor’s Office, these projects span over 25,000 acres and were approved under a state of emergency declared earlier this year.

The announcement comes after the Trump administration reduced the U.S. Forest Service budget by 10 percent and cut 25 percent of firefighting support staff.

Governor Gavin Newsom said: “It’s a bitter irony that California taxpayers are funding both state and federal wildfire protection while the federal government that owns the burning land cuts funding and diverts resources to political theater.

“Trump can follow our lead now that we’ve approved more than 100 wildfire prevention projects spanning over 25,000 acres for fast-tracking since March.”

Earlier in the year, the Governor warned that the reductions could worsen wildfire risk and sent the White House a model executive order to align federal action with California’s measures.

Federal wildfires impacting California

The Governor’s Office reported that California has supported major wildfire incidents burning on federal lands across the state.

The Garnet Fire in the Sierra National Forest has burned 54,925 acres and is 14 percent contained.

The fire started on 24 August 2025 and continues to threaten giant sequoia trees.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 has supported unified command while the state coordinates evacuations with local authorities.

The Gifford Fire in Los Padres National Forest has burned 131,614 acres and is 98 percent contained.

It started on 1 August 2025 and destroyed five structures and caused 18 injuries, including 15 firefighters.

California deployed 1,242 personnel and coordinated evacuation operations with local sheriffs’ offices.

The Madre Fire, also in Los Padres National Forest, burned 80,779 acres and was declared fully contained on 26 July 2025.

The Orleans Complex in the Six Rivers and Klamath National Forests has burned 22,144 acres and is 91 percent contained.

The Green Fire in Shasta-Trinity National Forest has burned 19,022 acres and was fully contained after lightning strikes ignited multiple fires in late June 2025.

State resources supporting federal land fires

The Governor’s Office reported that California has provided personnel, equipment and financial support to federal land incidents.

CAL FIRE has co-led incident management through unified command on all major fires.

Thousands of firefighters, engines, dozers, water tenders and aircraft have been deployed.

California Interagency Incident Management Teams have been used to manage several fires across federal lands.

The California National Guard has activated nearly 1,000 service members to support fire suppression, despite reduced federal deployment capacity.

The state has also provided $72 million for wildfire risk reduction projects on federal lands.

Emergency coordination and evacuations

According to the Governor’s Office, California has coordinated evacuation operations with local law enforcement and county emergency services during federal land incidents.

The California Office of Emergency Services has implemented the Standardised Emergency Management System to ensure state, local and federal response structures remain integrated.

Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued across multiple counties, covering communities at risk from large-scale fires.

This system, the Governor’s Office said, has ensured coordination across jurisdictions despite federal staffing reductions.

Expanding California’s wildfire workforce

The Governor’s Office reported that CAL FIRE has grown its workforce by an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal staff per year over the past five years.

Thousands more positions are planned over the next four years to meet future demand.

Since 2019, the state has invested more than $5 billion in wildfire and forest resilience initiatives.

This includes $135 million allocated for new and continuing prevention projects this year, alongside 103 vegetation management projects fast-tracked since March.

The Governor’s Office added that recent federal proposals to close regional Forest Service offices could further reduce capacity across the western United States.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This announcement demonstrates how state governments can adapt wildfire prevention and suppression strategies when federal resources are reduced.

For fire and safety professionals, the developments highlight the role of interagency coordination, evacuation planning and resource allocation.

The California approach shows how workforce expansion and direct funding can be combined with streamlined project approvals to address increasing wildfire risk.

These measures may serve as an example for other regions managing large-scale incidents across multiple jurisdictions.

California accelerates wildfire projects under state emergency: Summary

California has approved 103 wildfire prevention projects spanning 25,000 acres.

The projects were fast-tracked under a state of emergency declared in March 2025.

The Trump administration cut the U.S. Forest Service budget by 10 percent.

It also reduced firefighting support staff by 25 percent.

Governor Gavin Newsom said California taxpayers are funding both state and federal wildfire protection.

He warned earlier this year that cuts could increase wildfire risk.

The Garnet Fire in Sierra National Forest has burned 54,925 acres.

The Gifford Fire in Los Padres National Forest has burned 131,614 acres.

The Madre Fire in Los Padres National Forest burned 80,779 acres.

The Orleans Complex has burned 22,144 acres across two national forests.

The Green Fire burned 19,022 acres in Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

CAL FIRE has co-led incident management on all major fires.

Nearly 1,000 National Guard service members have been activated.

California has invested more than $5 billion in wildfire and forest resilience since 2019.

CAL FIRE has added 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal positions annually over five years.

Portugal’s wildfire crisis: Critics say the government’s response is falling short

by Aerial FirefightingBreaking NewsWildland Fire

Opposition voices raise concerns over response

Aman Alliance has reported that opposition parties in Portugal have criticised the government’s handling of recent wildfires.

The agency said that Livre, the Left Bloc (BE), the JPP and PAN raised concerns over delayed measures, a reactive stance and insufficient prevention.

Livre MP Paulo Muacho told journalists at parliament that the government should explain delays in convening the National Civil Protection Commission and clarify what steps are being taken after fires are extinguished, such as soil stabilisation.

He said: “The government needs to stop being reactive to this situation.

“We need to understand what is being done to improve firefighting and fire prevention, why the government is slow to convene the National Civil Protection Commission, and we also need to know what is being done on the ground when the fires are put out, particularly concerning emergency soil stabilisation.”

Livre calls for broader action

According to Aman Alliance, Muacho argued that the interior minister Maria Lúcia Amaral had been politically weakened by the wildfire crisis.

He said: “When situations like this happen, ministers are always weakened.

“We have the loss of human lives, we have homes at risk, villages at risk, protected areas on fire, we have a situation that is a catastrophe and in which it is also clear that there is a failure in the response that the state is giving and, therefore, naturally this weakens the minister and weakens the entire government and weakens the state as a whole, and that confidence that people have in the actions of the state.”

When asked if Amaral should remain in office, Muacho said that this was a decision for her to make.

He added that all possible means should have been used to respond and said that declaring a state of calamity “could be useful” because of the legal options it provides.

Livre also argued that financial aid announced by the government should be delivered quickly, with clear communication and minimal bureaucracy.

The party further proposed the creation of a professional career path for firefighters within humanitarian firefighting associations and recognition of firefighting as a profession with accelerated wear.

BE criticises delays in deployment

Aman Alliance reported that BE coordinator Mariana Mortágua said that the government’s response showed a lack of awareness of the distress faced by affected communities.

She said: “The reaction to the fires, the preparation, organisation and deployment of resources was delayed.”

Mortágua also said: “Support [must] reach the people in good time.”

She criticised the government leader’s focus on “quantitative accounting of measures” and highlighted what she considered irrelevant announcements such as user charges that no longer apply.

JPP urges greater focus on prevention

The agency stated that JPP MP Filipe Sousa called for investment in preventive measures.

He said: “Those who have lost everything or almost everything” need support but added: “The government continues to react to the tragedy instead of anticipating it.”

Sousa said: “If there isn’t the courage to invest in prevention, in a year’s time we’ll once again be counting houses destroyed, jobs lost and human lives taken by fire.”

PAN criticises forest management approach

According to Aman Alliance, PAN said that measures announced by the government may be “a smokescreen” for a lack of effective action.

The party said that aid should be made more agile and less bureaucratic.

It criticised the government’s view of forests “only from an economic perspective” and called for more investment in native forests.

PAN also noted the late activation of the European civil protection mechanism and the refusal to declare a disaster, while recalling deaths of people and animals and thousands of hectares of burnt land.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

For fire and safety professionals, the debate in Portugal highlights the tension between short-term emergency response and long-term prevention.

The criticism of delayed activation of national and European mechanisms may inform how coordination frameworks are designed and tested.

The proposals to recognise firefighting as a profession with accelerated wear and to create a defined career structure may also hold relevance for workforce planning.

Finally, the call for clear communication and efficient aid delivery demonstrates the importance of integrating local authorities and reducing administrative barriers in post-incident recovery.

Wildfires in Portugal spark political criticism: Summary

Opposition MPs in Portugal criticised the government’s response to recent wildfires.

Livre MP Paulo Muacho said the government was too reactive and called for faster prevention and support measures.

He argued that interior minister Maria Lúcia Amaral had been weakened politically.

Livre proposed a professional career structure for firefighters and recognition of the occupation as a high-wear profession.

The BE said the deployment of resources was delayed.

JPP MP Filipe Sousa said prevention efforts were insufficient.

PAN said measures were a smokescreen for government inaction.

PAN also criticised forest policy and the late use of European civil protection support.

All parties urged faster and more efficient aid for affected communities.