The Douglas County Commissioners invest $1.53 million to ensure firefighting helicopter is always available to respond

An amended 2026 contract with Trans Aero will secure access to a Type 2 helicopter capable of delivering 300 gallons of water to the front lines of a wildfire. The contract ensures the helicopter will be in Douglas County for a minimum of 168 days through to the end of December 2026. It will be available at the discretion of Douglas County’s Office of Emergency Management at any other time if elevated fire danger warrants activation.

In 2025, a Type 2 Trans Aero helicopter stationed in Douglas County responded to 33 wildfires. Twenty-four of these fires were within Douglas County, and the other 9 were requests for help outside Douglas County for which costs were reimbursed.

Wildfires can strike in any season, in any neighborhood, and move extremely fast. Aerial support is an essential tool in suppressing a fire’s growth and assisting firefighters on the ground as they work to save lives and property.

“Your county leaders think about wildfire safety every day in Douglas County. Investing in the state’s only county helitack team ensures we can remain proactive and protective of our communities,” said Chair of the Wildfire Action Collaborative Commissioner Abe Laydon. “We continue to lead the state and the Denver metro area in fire suppression. One square mile represents $101 million in property values, so this investment has the potential to save our citizens and businesses billions. Our thanks to the Wildfire Action Collaborative and Emergency Management for their unwavering support.”