Heli-Hydrants
A game-changing way to safeguard life, property, and the environment
The First Ever Permanent Heli-Hydrant
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 fill in just six minutes. The remote operation of it also allows greater safety of ground firefighters and water sources in areas that ground firefighters 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.
Oct 7, 2019
Operational
12 feet
Diameter
3 feet
Depth
2,700 gallons
Water Capacity
6 mins
Fill Time
350-3,000 gallons
Helicopter Tank Capacity
Heli-Hydrant Enhances Blue Ridge Wildfire Response
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.
Partnership with Orange County Fire Authority
Learn more about what OCFA thinks about the Heli-Hydrants.
Heli-Hydrant News
Water district installs Heli-Hydrants to assist firefighters, protect infrastructure
The American Water Works Association featured a story on YLWD helicopter Hydrants.
YLWD Heli-Hydrant Activated to Contain Wildland Fire
On Sunday, July 3, 2022, a Yorba Linda Water District’s helicopter hydrant was activated and used by CAL FIRE, and Los Angeles County Fire Department to contain a wildland fire in Chino Hills State Park.
Congresswoman Young Kim and Senator Alex Padilla Secure $500,000 for Wildfire Resiliency
$500,000 was secured for a helicopter hydrant we will place in the Wildland Urban Interface Zone bordering Yorba Linda.
Wells Fargo Heli-Hydrant Dedicated and Stress Tested
The Orange County Fire Authority joined the District and Wells Fargo Bank for the unveiling of the Wells Fargo Helicopter Hydrant to enhance wildfire response during wildfire season.