The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) has established a helipad in San Clemente to enhance emergency response times during severe weather events. Announced on Wednesday, the helipad is strategically located near Avenida La Pata and Avenida Vista Hermosa, adjacent to the OCFA’s San Clemente station.
Although the helipad will not permanently house a helicopter, it will serve as a crucial station during rain events, Santa Ana winds, and dangerous fire conditions, according to Captain Sean Doran of the OCFA. Typically, the OCFA stations its four helicopters at Fullerton Municipal Airport, but the new helipad will allow for quicker deployment to emergencies in southern Orange County.
Captain Greg Barta emphasized the importance of the helipad, stating, “This will be a huge benefit not only to us at OCFA but more importantly to the citizens of the city of San Clemente and the surrounding communities because it will enable us to quickly deploy a helicopter to a fire that occurs down in that region.”
The land for the helipad was provided by the city of San Clemente, and OCFA crews have modified it to suit their needs. Additionally, there are nearby water resources, including HeloPods in Aliso Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, and Laguna Beach, as well as golf courses, to aid water-dropping helicopters in refilling.
The establishment of the helipad is part of OCFA’s ongoing efforts to improve emergency response and ensure the safety of residents in the region. For more information, visit the OCFA website.
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