"Please use caution," McDade said.
Fire leadership emphasized that while equipment maintenance is mandatory, alternative methods remain functional throughout the maintenance window.
"Like any other vehicle, whether it's an automobile, helicopter, or airplane, after countless hours and days of operating these vehicles, they need routine maintenance and checkups," Lee said.
"The only difference with this one, is the manufacturer is requested the maintenance repair and is being taken care of out of state."
The department reassured the community that rescue capability remains active despite the temporarily increased response times.
"Other than the hoist capability being unavailable for the time being, our rescue technicians have multiple plans in place," Lee said.
"Whether it's carrying by ground or helicoptering off, we have different ways of rescuing people."
Partner agencies, including the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and Arizona Department of Public Safety, remain secondary resources for extreme cases.
"If we have a really crazy scenario where we couldn't use those helicopters, thanks to our mutual aid partnership with the MCSO and AZDPS, they can provide helicopters with hoist capabilities," Lee stated.
The city closes prominent trails, including Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak, between 8 a. m.
and 5 p. m.
during excessive heat warnings.
"Since the Firebird is not in operation, we may have a lengthy rescue than usual, depending on where the patients are at," Lee said.
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"Our main message right now is to be safe. Staff off the trails and find a different method of training during this time of year."
