Mark Whaling, a retired firefighter, invented the Heli-Hydrant to improve the water supply for helicopters during urban wildfire battles. Originally developed after a frustrating experience during a 2000s wildfire, the Heli-Hydrant allows helicopters to fill up water quickly, reducing the time they spend flying to distant sources. With the increase in wildfires, this innovation is gaining traction among officials and has been implemented in Southern California, where ten units are already installed, with more planned. The need for improved aerial firefighting resources is underscored as climate change fuels more frequent and severe wildfires.
"When it comes to the helicopters, we weren't supporting them as robustly as we should. His frustration sparked an idea: the Heli-Hydrant, a relatively small, open tank that can be rapidly filled with water."
"As wildfires become more frequent, Whaling's invention is getting the attention of officials eager to boost preparedness. First used for the 2020 Blue Ridge Fire, 10 Heli-Hydrants have been built across Southern California."
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