Rotorcraft
Cali Fire Helos Test Remotely Activated Snorkel Sites
Technology Promises To Reduce Refill Times

Firefighting helicopters in California are field testing new “remotely activated snorkel sites” that promise to reduce water refill times and make aerial firefighting more efficient. The 1,700-gallon tanks can be positioned more precisely where they are needed, closer to at-risk fire areas, and hooked up to municipal water sources. Pilots then can use a remote control system to fill the tanks that use a robot-controlled valve system. The system is currently being tested by the Orange County Fire Authority and Anaheim Fire & Rescue.