The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has signed a purchase agreement for a Subaru Bell 412EPX to advance its firefighting and rescue operations.

“Bell is excited to work with San Diego Fire-Rescue as it expands their city's public safety fleet,” says Lane Evans, managing director, North America. “The SUBARU Bell 412EPX combines what many public safety units are looking for – high-altitude power, increased weight capabilities, and a spacious interior. The platform continues to be highly sought-after in the field, especially for those tasked with combating wildfire outbreaks.”

On average, San Diego Fire-Rescue's Air Operations Unit responds to over 400 emergencies every year, including wildfire and high-rise fire incidents. With the addition of the Subaru Bell 412EPX, the Air Operations Unit expects to significantly increase its emergency response capabilities in San Diego and the surrounding areas.

“San Diego Fire-Rescue has had a 20-year relationship with Bell Textron, and they have been a great business partner throughout. Adding the Subaru Bell 412EPX to our fleet is a significant step forward in enhancing our firefighting and rescue operations. The aircraft's high-altitude power, increased weight capabilities, and spacious interior will greatly improve our emergency response capabilities, allowing us to better serve the City of San Diego and the surrounding communities,” confirms Chuck Macfarland, Chief of Air Operations, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Combining its increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs, external weight of 13,000 lbs, and ability to carry 5,000 lbs with a cargo hook, the Subaru Bell 412EPX stands-out in its class for its ability to transport multitudes of public safety supplies. Whether it be a short-haul air rescue or a swift water rescue – the SUBARU Bell 412EPX's robust main rotor gearbox with dry run capability enables operators to benefit from increased horsepower to perform public safety operations more efficiently.

The Air Operations Unit's signed purchase agreement comes months after Bell announced the successful deliveries of three Subaru Bell 412EPXs to southern California law enforcement divisions; one to San Diego County Sheriff's Department, and two to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.