A game-changing way to safeguard life, property, and the environment
The Marc Marcantonio Heli-Hydrant is an innovative 12-foot wide, 2,400-gallon water tank for firefighting helicopters. The Heli-Hydrant allows first responders to save critical time and effectively fight fires by offering a strategically placed, quick-fill, pilot-operated water source that can be filled in just six minutes. The remote operation of it also allows greater safety of ground firefighters in areas they cannot reach. This helicopter hydrant offers Orange County a game-changing way to safeguard life, property, and the environment for the benefit of the community.
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YLWD’s second permanent heli-hydrant, the Wells Fargo Heli-Hydrant, is an innovative 15-foot wide, 5,000-gallon water tank for firefighting helicopters.
Dedicated YLWD water professionals diligently monitor weather conditions and take necessary precautions to safeguard our region and infrastructure. By raising reservoir levels and pre-filling both the Marc Marcantonio and Wells Fargo Heli-Hydrants during wind advisories or red flag warnings, we ensure an ample water supply is always available for first responders.
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In late October 2020, the Yorba Linda Water District’s award-winning Marc Marcantonio Heli-Hydrant supported aerial firefighters battling the Blue Ridge Fire. The helicopter hydrant reduced response time for helicopters because YLWD strategically placed it in the wildland-urban interface zone affected by the Blue Ridge Fire.
The Boeing Chinook CH-47 helitankers filled at the Heli-Hydrant with roughly 2,000 gallons of water in 56 seconds. They made drops on spot fires in the Chino Hills area and returned in four minutes to repeat this process to safeguard life, property, and the environment.
Learn more about what OCFA thinks about the Heli-Hydrants.
New facility in Orange County will provide firefighters critical access to water supply for aerial suppression of wildfires.
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.
YLWD is committed to the safety and well-being of our beloved community. We salute the brave firefighters and first responders putting their lives on the line to protect those affected by the devastating Los Angeles County wildfires.
As strong winds and frequent heat advisories continue to impact our region, we want to reassure the 80,000 residents and businesses in Yorba Linda that the District remains proactive in its Wildfire Emergency Preparedness.
On May 8, 2024, Yorba Linda Water District proudly received an award for the District’s Wells Fargo Heli-Hydrant and Landing Zone in the Community Safety and Resilience Excellence category at the Association of California Cities, Orange County Leadership Summit and Golden Hub of Innovation Awards Ceremony.