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NEWS RELEASE

New Water Tank to Aid in Wildfire Response Installed at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

SAN DIEGO (Dec. 22, 2023) – A collaborative effort between San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, regional fire departments, and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department has led to the installation of an innovative helicopter water tank at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This strategic tank— funded by California Assemblymember Brian Maienschein—aims to bolster the region's wildfire response capabilities in Escondido and surrounding areas.

“During my time in public office, I have witnessed the destructive impact wildfires can have on our region, such as the Cedar Fire that devastated East County and the community of Scripps Ranch 20 years ago,” said California Assemblymember Maienschein. “I am proud to continue to upgrade our resources to keep our communities safe. This Heli-Hydrant is an important asset that will help our first responders extinguish fires quickly."

Situated in a secluded section of the Safari Park, the newly installed 8500-gallon Heli-Hydrant will significantly enhance the agility and efficiency of emergency services. It will supplement the existing water sources, such as Lake Wohlford to the north and Lake Poway to the south, by providing an additional accessible water reserve for firefighting helicopters. This expansion is particularly critical for areas west of Lake Sutherland, which previously had limited access to water resources for fire emergencies.

Apart from its prime location, the tank was built for resilience. It includes a hardwired control cabinet and is equipped with multiple solar-powered backup batteries to safeguard functionality during power outages. An automatic fill valve has also been incorporated to allow for quick and efficient replenishment post-deployment. This technology enables pilots to remotely refill the tank during their approach, keeping it empty for safety reasons when not in use, thus ensuring the Heli-Hydrant is prepared for immediate deployment. The tank will also serve as a reliable supply of clean water, preventing the critical issue of firefighting helicopters getting clogged and becoming inoperative at crucial moments.

"We're deeply privileged to host the Heli-Hydrant at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park," said Lisa Peterson, executive director for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. "Conservation is a collective journey that starts with people, grows through community action, and culminates into meaningful change. United by a swift and singular vision, our community made an important change that will shield both our neighborhoods and the local wildlife from the threat of wildfires for decades to come. I am immensely proud of this collaborative triumph.”

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About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance  
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships. Through wildlife care, science expertise and collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. Annually, the Alliance reaches over 1 billion people, in person at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park and virtually in 150 countries through media channels, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television programming in children's hospitals in 13 countries. Wildlife Allies—members, donors and guests—make success possible.