Changes in Southern California’s Firefighting Aircraft Program
Orange County Fire Authority Board Declines New Contract for Quick Reaction Force Program
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) board has decided not to renew its contract for the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) program, marking a significant shift in aerial firefighting resources for the region. Established in 2021 as a joint initiative between the county fire agencies of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange County, along with SoCal Edison, the QRF program has been instrumental in combating wildfires, delivering millions of gallons of water during hundreds of incidents.
The program operates a fleet of four aircraft, including three Chinook CH-47 helicopters capable of carrying up to 3,000 gallons of water, managed by a Sikorsky S-76 command and control aircraft. These helicopters were designed for rapid deployment primarily within a six-county region of Southern California, but they also extended their support to any of the 15 counties served by Southern California Edison (SCE).
In a statement, SCE noted, “The QRF has proven to be a game-changing resource in reducing wildfire risk in Southern California.” However, the initial agreement established by former OCFA Chief Brian Fennessy expired last Wednesday, and board members failed to vote on a new contract.
A procedural vote scheduled for November 20, 2025, to approve an annual net cost of $17.14 million for the QRF’s continuation was unexpectedly modified from a consent agenda item to a discussion item. Consequently, the vote did not occur.
SCE expressed disappointment but emphasized the commitment to the program’s continuity. The utility urged OCFA to approve the agreement by the end of the year, declaring the need for uninterrupted support beginning January 6, 2026. Despite the absence of OCFA’s agreement, SCE stated it aims to maintain the program with its remaining partners, stressing the importance of safeguarding communities from catastrophic wildfires.
Following the board’s decision, it was announced that while the QRF will continue operations in 2026, the aircraft will now only be staffed by pilots and crew from Los Angeles and Ventura County. SCE spokesperson Scott Johnson reassured that the QRF would still respond to fire incidents in Orange County when requested.
Johnson reaffirmed SCE’s commitment to wildfire mitigation, stating, “Working with local fire agencies, including support of programs such as the Quick Reaction Force, is part of that commitment.”
The departure of Chief Brian Fennessy, who retired on Friday to lead the newly established U.S. Wildland Fire Service, adds another layer of change to the OCFA. Acting Fire Chief TJ McGovern expressed determination to continue the mission of safeguarding life and property in Orange County, highlighting recent additions to the fleet. The OCFA has added two new 1,000-gallon-dropping FIREHAWKS, enhancing the aerial firefighting capabilities.
The next OCFA Board of Directors meeting is set for January 22, 2026, at the agency’s operations and training center. It remains unclear whether the QRF contract will be revisited during that meeting.
