In the wake of wildfires that ravaged Southern California communities, Metropolitan Water District has unveiled a new helicopter dip tank on the Palos Verdes Peninsula that will provide firefighters a quick filling, strategically located water source for aerial fire suppression.

The new facility was developed in collaboration with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department and installed at Metropolitan’s Palos Verdes Reservoir to protect homes, businesses and infrastructure in the surrounding community an area highly vulnerable to wildfire.

“We’ve seen the damage that wildfires and climate change can inflict on our communities. That’s why Metropolitan is doubling down on preparedness and investing in tools, like helicopter dip tanks, to protect both our essential water infrastructure and our neighbors,” board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. said during a dedication event attended by local community leaders. “We’re proud to partner with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to build a safer, more resilient Southern California for the future.”

The nearly 4,000-gallon tank can be filled in about five minutes and automatically refilled during use. Helicopters can hover overhead, fill directly from the open-top tank, and return to the fire line in moments. This is Metropolitan’s second helicopter dip tank. The first was unveiled earlier this month at the Robert B. Diemer Water Treatment Plant in Yorba Linda. These facilities are part of Metropolitan’s efforts to plan for and adapt to climate change and the increasing threat of wildfire.

“The County of Los Angeles Fire Department is grateful to the Metropolitan Water District for providing this dip tank that provides pilots and firefighters a critical water source for our helicopters that enable us to aggressively combat wildfires,” said Deputy Fire Chief Robert Harris. “Every second counts when it comes to fighting a wildfire to ensure the safety of residents and communities.”