Metropolitan and Yorba Linda Water Districts Unveil New Helicopter Hydrant to Enhance Regional Wildfire Response
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and the Yorba Linda Water District today dedicated a new helicopter hydrant at the Robert B. Diemer Water Treatment Plant, a facility designed to provide firefighters with fast, reliable access to water for aerial wildfire suppression.
More than 100 community leaders and local officials gathered to mark the opening, underscoring a shared commitment to wildfire preparedness, regional collaboration, and public safety.
The project marks a major step forward in interagency cooperation between Metropolitan and YLWD, expanding Southern California’s wildfire response network. The new Diemer helicopter hydrant joins two existing hydrants within YLWD’s service area that have already proven essential for the Orange County Fire Authority and CAL FIRE in protecting nearby communities and wildfire-prone areas like Chino Hills State Park.
As Southern California faces increasingly severe wildfires, this project demonstrates Metropolitan’s commitment to protecting public safety through innovation and partnership,” said John Bednarski, Metropolitan’s Assistant General Manager. “By working together, we’re ensuring first responders have the critical tools they need to act swiftly when every second counts.”
Helicopter hydrants are open-top water tanks that allow firefighting helicopters to refill directly from the air within seconds, enabling faster turnaround times on the fire line. The Diemer Helicopter Hydrant can be operated remotely by Metropolitan staff on the ground or directly by firefighters from their aircraft, ensuring maximum efficiency during emergencies.
The Yorba Linda Water District secured a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service to help fund the project, while Metropolitan provided additional resources and engineering support for design and construction. Strategically located at the Diemer Plant, the new hydrant strengthens regional aerial firefighting coverage and reduces response times throughout Orange County.
This helicopter hydrant represents what can be achieved when vision meets collaboration,” said Tom Lindsey, Board President of the Yorba Linda Water District. “With this third hydrant, we’re expanding fire protection and improving regional readiness. It’s a powerful example of what can happen when dedicated partners come together to keep communities safe.”
The Diemer Helicopter Hydrant has an 8,500-gallon capacity and can be refilled in under 10 minutes through a gravity-fed connection to the plant’s treated-water reservoir. The system’s remote operation helps minimize ground crew risk and includes an emergency landing zone to further support firefighting operations.
The helicopter hydrant is a model of innovation and partnership in the face of a year-round fire season,” said Orange County Fire Authority Fire Chief Brian Fennessy. “By joining forces with Metropolitan and YLWD, we’re giving our firefighters faster, more efficient water access — ultimately saving lives, property, and the environment.”
Together, the agencies’ investment in the Diemer Helicopter Hydrant marks a significant advancement in Orange County’s firefighting infrastructure, reinforcing a regional commitment to resilience and safety in the face of growing wildfire threats.
About Metropolitan Water District
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provide water for nearly 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.
About Yorba Linda Water District
A “District of Distinction” for its commitment to good governance, ethics, and sound operating practices, Yorba Linda Water District serves the residents of Yorba Linda and portions of Placentia, Brea, Anaheim, and unincorporated areas of Orange County. Governed by a five-member publicly elected Board of Directors, YLWD’s mission is to provide reliable water and sewer services to protect public health and the environment with financial integrity and superior customer service. YLWD accomplishes this by embracing proven technologies, improving customer satisfaction, providing efficient and responsive operations, and ensuring reliable infrastructure.
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