Forest fires in Southern California are intensifying over time, pushing firefighters to seek more efficient solutions. One of the constant challenges was quick access to water, crucial in the first minutes of an uncontrolled fire. While trucks have water outlets, helicopters lacked fixed points for refilling, and that’s where aerial tanks come into play.
A simple yet ingenious idea is changing that: aerial tanks called Heli-Hydrants. These are open tanks that fill up quickly and allow helicopters to load water in less than a minute, without the need for long flights to lakes or reservoirs.
This technology is already expanding in the southern part of the state, with ten units in operation and sixteen more in development. The goal is clear: reduce the time between discharges and increase aerial effectiveness in urban and rural areas vulnerable to fires.
Aerial tanks are taken care of in a matter of seconds without the need to go to lakes or reservoirs. Photo: Boston Herald.
A Shield in Critical Areas
The Heli-Hydrants proved their worth in real emergencies, like the Garden Fire, where helicopters used one of these tanks almost 40 times. Their quick activation, even remotely, and the possibility of operating with solar power make them ideal for extreme conditions.
Additionally, they allow fuel savings, prevent time losses, and minimize ground personnel exposure. In communities like Cabazon, where drought and fire risks are constant, having one of these systems means having a crucial advantage.
However, they are not fail-proof. In dense urban areas, placement can be complicated by buildings or power lines, and municipal water systems could be depleted during large-scale fires. There are also occasions when weather conditions prevent aircraft use.
Despite the limitations, the Heli-Hydrants offer hope to communities living on the edge of danger. In an increasingly fire-prone environment, having water ready to fly can make the difference between saving a house or losing a city.
Heli-Hydrants, the aerial tank that could become a great tool against forest fires. Photo: Superior Tank.
A Vehicle with Unique Features
The Helki-Hydrant operates through a radio-controlled device by the pilot, which can send signals from the helicopter to activate the automated valve system, which can fill the tank at a rate of 1700 gallons of water in 90 seconds.
Thanks to the integration of a force multiplier system, the Heli-Hydrant has the ability to supply unlimited water to any number of helicopters, at a filling rate determined by the specific calibrated hydraulic system for each approved snorkel zone.
The tank remains on standby until the filling signal is activated; likewise, the drain valve can also be activated, safely draining excess water. This ensures that the Heli-Hydrant remains dry when not in use, making it safe for pest control, wildlife, and the civilian population.
