How New Firefighting 'Dip Tanks' Approved For La Cresta, De Luz, Will Aid Firefighting Efforts In RivCo

TEMECULA, CA — In October, Rancho California Water District received a $500,000 award from Riverside County 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington, made possible through the Riverside County Unincorporated Communities Initiative funding, to install helicopter dip tanks in the rural areas near De Luz and La Cresta.

These essential firefighting assets were expected to be completed and ready for use by fire teams in 2026.

This investment will enhance wildfire protection and emergency response capabilities for the greater Temecula-Murrieta region, according to a recent news release from Rancho Water.

Helicopter dip tanks are fire-suppression water tanks that allow firefighting aircraft to refill quickly and efficiently during wildfire emergencies, according to officials. With strategically placed installations, helicopters will have faster access to water in the high-risk wildfire areas of the rural Temecula and Murrieta region, reducing turnaround times and improving rapid response efforts. They will help in battling blazes, such as a September brush fire that led to evacuations and evacuation warnings in Old Town Temecula. The lightly populated De Luz location where that fire burned is zoned as rural-agricultural; however, there are homes nearby.

During that incident, multiple Cal Fire air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter were dispatched from Hemet Ryan Airfieldto make runs on the brush fire. Evacuation warnings were in effect, and road closures were implemented during the incident. The choppers remained available for targeted drops directed by ground personnel.

Rancho Water and Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington indicate that the use of dip tanks will enable firefighters to attack such fires with more speed.

Jason Martin, General Manager of Rancho Water, spoke on the funding received by the utility.

“This critical funding will allow Rancho Water to support lifesaving wildfire mitigation measures in
one of our region’s most vulnerable areas,” Martin said. “We are proud to be partnering with Riverside County and CalFire to install these helicopter dip tanks, which will ensure that firefighting aircraft can access water more quickly and efficiently, ultimately protecting lives, homes, and natural resources for our neighbors.”

The Riverside County Unincorporated Communities Initiative funding will cover the cost of planning, construction, and installation of the helicopter dip tanks. Once operational, the system will provide a reliable, dedicated water supply for firefighting operations, reducing reliance on distant water sources and improving regional resilience to wildfires.

Rancho Water is working closely with Riverside County and CalFire to determine the most valuable
and accessible locations for the new dip tanks.

For more information on Rancho Water, visit www.RanchoWater.com.