In recent years, the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires have exposed critical weaknesses in traditional firefighting methods, particularly when it comes to aerial support. One innovative response to this challenge is the development of the Heli-Hydrant—a purpose-built water source designed to enhance the efficiency of helicopters in wildfire suppression.
The Heli-Hydrant originated from the firsthand experiences of retired Los Angeles County firefighter Mark Whaling. During a wildfire in the early 2000s, Whaling witnessed how difficult it was for helicopters to refill water. He saw a massive water tank nearby that, frustratingly, could not be used by aerial units. This moment highlighted a glaring gap in the firefighting system—while ground crews had access to strategically placed fire hydrants, helicopters lacked similar infrastructure.
This realization led to the creation of the Heli-Hydrant, a compact, open-top tank that fills rapidly with water from the municipal system and allows helicopters to refill in a matter of seconds. Unlike relying on faraway lakes or ponds, which can be time-consuming and are sometimes dry during droughts, these tanks are placed in accessible urban or suburban locations. The goal is to reduce the time helicopters spend traveling for water, enabling them to make more frequent drops and contain fires faster.
The utility of these systems became evident during the 2020 Blue Ridge Fire in Yorba Linda, marking their debut in active firefighting. Since then, 10 Heli-Hydrants have been installed across Southern California, and another 16 are in development. In communities like Cabazon, situated in fire-prone desert terrain, officials have invested in multiple units. At around $300,000 each, the price is comparable to a local home, but many officials see it as a worthwhile investment in public safety.
Michael Pollack, general manager of the Cabazon Water District, emphasizes the importance of such systems in areas with elevated fire risks. The Heli-Hydrants give residents peace of mind, knowing that their community is better prepared to respond rapidly to wildfires.
One standout feature of the Heli-Hydrant system is its remote activation capability. Pilots can send a radio signal—similar to Morse code—from up to half a mile away to trigger the tank to fill. This hands-off process reduces reliance on ground crews and ensures a quick response. The tanks are also built with resilience in mind: solar panels and battery backups keep them functional during power outages, and built-in lighting assists pilots with nighttime navigation.
The value of the Heli-Hydrant was demonstrated again during the Garden Fire in Fallbrook in 2023. Helicopters refilled from a local tank almost 40 times during the operation, saving both time and fuel. Pilot Ben Brown noted that having water sources near the fire’s edge was a game-changer, especially in the dry landscapes of Southern California.
However, the system is not without its challenges. Urban installations may be limited due to nearby buildings or overhead power lines, which can pose risks during takeoff and landing. In some cases, helicopters may still need to seek more open water sources. Additionally, if a large fire overwhelms a city ’s water supply, tanks can run dry. During the Palisades Fire, for example, three municipal water tanks were depleted as pipes burst and demand soared.
Despite these limitations, experts believe Heli-Hydrants offer a promising supplement to existing wildfire response strategies. Portable water tanks exist but require time and labor to set up. Heli-Hydrants, by contrast, are permanent, self-contained solutions that significantly reduce aerial downtime.
As more people live in fire-prone zones and climate change accelerates wildfire risks, communities are increasingly turning to tools like the Heli-Hydrant. For those like Jake Wiley, who have seen the devastating impact of past blazes, every improvement counts. “After you think you’ve seen the worst,” he said, “there’s always a next time. Every tool helps.”
