SAN DIEGO (KGTV)--San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Fire-Rescue Chief Brian Fennessy announced Thursday the availability of a firefighting aircraft called the Fire Boss.
10News reporter Jim Patton watched as the aircraft performed a demonstration of its abilities at Lower Otay Lake in Chula Vista.
"We all know that the fire season is year-round here in San Diego which is why we are looking at new tools to bolster our firefighting forces," Faulconer said. "Through this public-private partnership, we will test new ways to efficiently and effectively protect San Diego from the threat of wildfires."
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The Fire Boss is single engine air tanker that can carry up to 800 gallons of water, according to the City of San Diego. It can fly for three hours and is capable of taking off and landing on a body of water.
"This aircraft is a valuable tool for us to test here in San Diego," said Fennessy. "The capabilities of the Fire Boss are a good match for the terrain of our wildland urban interface and, while these areas are beautiful, they are hazardous when it comes to fire potential."
A city spokesman said the aircraft would be available free of charge through July for demonstration and orientation, courtesy of its operator, Aero Spray Inc.
See the Fire Boss in action:
