Contra Costa County, CA — The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, in collaboration with CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit, East Bay Regional Park District Police Department, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, has introduced a new firefighting tool: the Helopod.
Funded through Measure X, these high-capacity water tanks are designed to support aerial firefighting by enabling helicopters to quickly refill with water during wildfire operations. Each Helopod can hold up to 3,770 gallons and fills at a rate of 800 gallons per minute using a standard hydrant connection.
Basically, it’s like a gigantic, automated bathtub sitting in the middle of a field. The Helopod fills up with water, and then a helicopter can swoop down, grab the water, and quickly dump it on a nearby wildfire.
Six Helopods will be deployed across the county at key locations: Byron Wildland Fire Center, Marsh Creek Detention Facility, Phillips 66, Lime Ridge, and near Highway 24 in Lafayette. Officials say the strategic placement will significantly reduce helicopter turnaround time, allowing faster water drops on active wildfires.
“These resources are true force multipliers in aerial firefighting, cutting turnaround times for water, strengthening collaboration, increasing water delivery, and boosting wildfire protection to safeguard lives, property, and the environment,” ConFire said.
The Helopods are the first of their kind in Contra Costa County and are expected to play a critical role during peak wildfire season.
