What does Firehawk do?
On its website, Firehawk lists its services as commercial charter, aerial lift, crane, video, powerline and pipeline, infrared mapping, LiDar laser technology, cargo, spraying and search and rescue, but it is probably best known for its firefighting capabilities with its Black Hawk helicopters.
The helicopters are frequently used to battle raging forest fires in California and other places out West.
What s its history?
It was founded in 1973 by Chuck Brainerd, an Army Vietnam vet.
The corporation’s website said he worked for Orlando Helicopters for a time, then purchased his first aircraft from Ray Kroc’s secretary. Kroc was the driving force that launched McDonald’s restaurants into a worldwide business.
Workers with special brush-clearing equipment were called into help rescue crews get to the wreckage, Iozzi said.
City and county law enforcement and firefighting units, Lake EMS, FAA and National Transportation Safety Board officials responded to the scene.
Most of the fire is under control now. US forestry is on scene plowing a line around the scene to prevent any vegetation fires. FFA has been notified of the crash and will start their investigation tomorrow.
Firefighters were still fighting the blaze after 7 p.m.
Authorities did not release the name of the helicopter company.
FAA said it would release the identifying tail number as soon as possible. Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board will be looking into what caused the crash.