Until recent, the Kern County Fire Department was relying on two fomer US Army UH-1's. With the introduction of this 2024 built Bell 412EPX in December of 2024, one of the old UH-1's nicknamed "Helicopter 408" (registered N408KC) was officially retired the same month. The KCFD operates out of Keene Heliport southeast of Bakersfield, California. It is believed that the 2nd UH-1 (registered N407KC), is still active and will be operated alongside the new state-of-the-art Bell 412, which is equipped with a DART "Fire Attack" water tank and snorkel.

Vietnam Veteran from the 117th AHC US Army 67-17725

A former US Army UH-1H (ex 67-17725) at its home base, nicely lit by a low late-afternoon sun.

Late May 2010, a large forest fire took place in the south of Kern county (CA), near Highway 5. This Kern County Bell (former US Army UH-1H with serial 67-17725) was one of the aerial firefighters. The Huey is seen here approaching a lake for taking some water.

Late May 2010, a large forest fire took place in the south of Kern county (CA), near Highway 5. This Kern County (former US Army UH-1H with serial 67-17725) was one of the aerial firefighters. The Huey is seen here at a provisional helipad near Highway 5.

Late May 2010, a large forest fire took place in the south of Kern county (CA), near Highway 5. This Kern County (former US Army UH-1H with serial 66-16401) was one of the aerial firefighters. The Huey is seen here approaching a helipad for refueling.