The Phoenix Police Department has sent its primary rescue helicopter out of state for an extended maintenance overhaul.
This leaves the Phoenix Fire Department without its primary aerial hoist capability during peak summer heat.
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City officials confirmed the Firebird helicopter will remain out of service through October 2026.
This marks one of the longest maintenance periods for the department's dedicated technical rescue aircraft.
The timing presents operational challenges as Phoenix enters August, historically one of the most dangerous months for heat-related hiker emergencies.
Without the hoist, technical mountain rescues could take up to three hours instead of 30 to 60 minutes.
Fire officials noted the loss of the hoist capability demands significantly more physical exertion from ground crews.
This has prompted adjusted staffing models and limits on daily firefighter rescue deployments.
Maintenance and Alternative Plans
"Just like any vehicle, automobile, plane, once they reach so many hours, they have to undergo maintenance to keep them up to par and up to speed to what they need to," said D.
J. Lee, Phoenix Fire Captain.
The department maintains alternative response plans using ground transport, standard police helicopters for personnel shuttles, and backup mutual aid support from regional public safety partners.
"It sounds like right now we're getting it in October-ish timeframe, it's going to be back in service," Lee said.
"So from August to October, we will not have that hoist capabilities for this helicopter on our mountain rescues."
