YLWD Heli-Hydrant Helps First Responders Save Critical Time and Effectively Fight Sapphire Fire at Chino Hills State Park

On Monday, May 12, firefighters battled the Sapphire Fire at Chino Hills State Park. The fire was first reported at 2:49 PM in the 4700 block of Sapphire Road within Chino Hills State Park. Early assessments estimated the fire at 1–2 acres with a slow rate of spread. However, due to difficult wind conditions and the risk of expansion up to 25 acres, CAL FIRE deployed additional air tankers.

CAL FIRE and Chino Valley Fire District executed an aggressive air and ground attack to contain the fire’s spread. YLWD’s Wells Fargo Heli-Hydrant was instrumental, allowing CAL FIRE Firehawk pilots to make a total of 28 dips. Although it remains unclear if the pilots filled to capacity during each run, the Firehawks can hold approximately 1,000 gallons. YLWD operators remained vigilant, monitoring the fire’s activity and standing by to support first responders.

By 5:45 PM, the forward progress of the fire was halted at five acres. Subsequent ground evaluations updated the total area burned to 10 acres. Fortunately, there was no threat to our service area, and no injuries or structural damage were reported. YLWD takes pride in the vital role our Wells Fargo Heli-Hydrant played in effectively combating the Sapphire Fire.