One S-64 helicopter will be based for the next five years (with five optional extension) at Los Angeles Fire Department Air Operations Center at Van Nuys Airport

Erickson Incorporated announced a new five-year contract with the City of Los Angeles for the provision of aerial firefighting services. Erickson will provide one S-64 helicopter, while the Los Angeles Fire Department Air Operations Center at Van Nuys Airport will serve as the staging area for the helitanker. The greater Los Angeles area, one of the most populous and high-value regions in the United States, often faces high temperatures and an arid climate during the summer that can lead to fires.

The new contract includes five guaranteed years of service with five optional one-year extensions thereafter, as well as a 150-day per year minimum availability, up from 90 days in 2013. The contract represents the next chapter of Erickson's 14-year presence in the Southern California region, including its fire suppression agreements with Los Angeles Countyand San Diego Gas and Electric.

"We have tremendous respect for the expert firefighting authorities in the greater Los Angeles area and their devotion to keeping the City and its people safe from fires - said Udo Rieder, Chief Executive Officer of Erickson -. We are proud to provide continued support to these courageous firefighting crews and their crucial missions through our aerial firefighting efforts." Erickson will provide one S-64 helicopter equipped with the company's proprietary 2,650-gallon fire suppression system, a detachable water tank with multiple refill options and eight coverage levels for targeted fire suppression. The contractual service period began August 7, 2014.

"The Los Angeles City Fire Department is pleased to continue working with Erickson, as both our department and our residents value the company's elite aerial fire suppression services - said Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas -. "Together, our two organizations help save lives and resources when time is of the essence," Chief Terrazas added.