Carson Helicopters Inc. operates a fleet of firefighting helicopters in addition to working with government and private industry. They are responsible for many improvements and modifications on the Sikorsky S-61.Official Site: Carson Helicopters Inc.

On August 5, 2008, a Carson Helicopters Inc. Sikorsky S-61 crashed en-route with firefighters helping in a northern California wildfire. Of the 11 firefighters and two crew members aboard only four survived. The helicopter was destroyed in the crash.CNN.com: 9 believed dead, 4 injured in firefighter helicopter crash (August 6, 2008)