Rainbow Water District is home to the first heli-hydrant in San Diego County and staff is currently exploring grant opportunities to build an additional heli-hydrant to increase water access for future wildfire events. The heli-hydrant was first used in Novemnber 2024 and assisted multiple fire agencies with swiftyly extinguishing the Garden Fire in Fallbrook. Rainbow Water has been an ardent supporter in increasing exposure for heli-hydrants and with the help of news media including word is quickly gaining tranction for the need for more heli-hydrants in Southern California.  Click on the links below to watch media coverage about the heli-hydrants.

News Stories

In drought-prone areas, water can be scarce for aerial firefighters. Heli-hydrants offer a solution - May 2025
Watch the AP Story 

Urban fires can mean long trips for helicopters to get water. One firefighter had a better idea - May 2025
Watch the AP Story