Air Shasta Rotor & Wing, Inc.

🔥 What’s a “Contract County”?

California’s fire protection system is unique. While CAL FIRE directly operates 21 Units statewide, six counties run a little differently: Marin, Kern, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange.

In these counties, the county’s fire department provides day-to-day fire protection and prevention in State Responsibility Areas (SRA)—but they do it under an agreement with CAL FIRE. That means CAL FIRE provides funding and support while the county fire agency staffs and operates their resources.

👉 The result? When a wildfire sparks in a Contract County, the engines, bulldozers, and crews, respond as part of our same statewide system. Whether it’s a CAL FIRE strike team or a Contract County engine, the response is coordinated, seamless, and focused on rapid initial attack to keep 95% of wildfires to 10 acres or less.

So, while CAL FIRE Units and Contract Counties may have different logos and uniforms, their mission is the same: protecting lives, property, and California’s natural resources.

Robinson Helicopter Company R88.

Introducing the Robinson Helicopter Company R88 helicopter! The aircraft has just been unveiled during a special presentation on the eve of Verticon.

New R88. Exciting!

It was an eventful first day of Verticon in Dallas, from aircraft unveilings and order announcements to new product releases! Let’s do it all again tomorrow 👉🏼 #verticalmag #aviation #helicopter #pilot

Stay safe Redding Fire Department!

📢 A Big Thank You to Redding Fire Department!

The Redding Fire Department is once again stepping up to help our fellow Californians, deploying crews to Southern California to assist with the Eaton Fire. Engines OES 8333 and OES 8335, fully staffed with our brave Redding firefighters, are heading south to join a statewide mutual aid effort.

From all of us at Redding Buzz, your loyal followers, Shasta County residents, and even neighboring counties—thank you for your courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting lives and communities. Your selfless service reminds us of the true meaning of heroism.

Stay safe out there, RFD. We're keeping you in our hearts and prayers. ❤️🙏

Tony Sousa 💙

Today, with deep reverence and honor, we remember and celebrate the lives of CAL FIRE Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, CAL FIRE Captain Tim Rodriguez, and Pilot Tony Sousa. Their lives were a testament to service and sacrifice, embodying the very essence of bravery and dedication. Their unwavering commitment to protecting others and their determined spirit will continue to inspire and guide us.

🇺🇸 Redding Rodeo 🇺🇸

You are forever with us Tony Sousa ❤️💙

In commemoration of the 43rd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, this weekend’s national tribute will honor the memory of five CAL FIRE Firefighters and one CAL FIRE Contract Pilot, whose names will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Let us honor the brave souls who served our communities and sacrificed their lives for our safety. Their courage and dedication will always be remembered.

Take flight lessons at AV8 Aviation!

Shifting gears into summer. Our calendar is quickly filling up with students!