Epoxy Relining and External Protection of Firefighting Water Tanks at Helispot 69 Bravo
Industry: Local Authorities & Municipalities (LAMU)
Application: TCC-Tanks and Chemical Containment Areas (TCC)
Substrate: Carbon steel
Customer Location: Los Angles
Application Date: January 2026
Products: Belzona 5821
Problem: Following extensive use during a major wildfire incident, the four 8,000-gallon steel water tanks at Helispot 69 Bravo experienced coating degradation, epoxy wear, and localized corrosion. These tanks are critical infrastructure supporting aerial firefighting operations and require reliable, contamination-free water storage with minimal downtime. The deteriorated internal linings and external coatings no longer provided adequate corrosion protection, creating the need for a durable repair solution that could be implemented without removing the helispot from service
Base Coat of Belzona 5821
Application Situation
The Belzona solution enabled the rehabilitation of all four tanks while maintaining uninterrupted firefighting readiness by executing the work in phased stages. Two tanks remained operational at all times, ensuring continued emergency response capability. Compared with tank replacement or welded lining systems, the Belzona epoxy repair method provided a cold-applied, cost-effective solution with reduced downtime, no hot-work requirements, and rapid return to service. The approach allowed the County Fire Department to restore long-term asset protection while meeting operational and safety constraints at an active wildfire support site.
Application Method
Two tanks were taken offline at a time to maintain uninterrupted firefighting operations. All internal steel surfaces were abrasively blasted in accordance with Belzona IFU requirements. A two-coat Belzona 5821 coating system was applied to the internal surfaces of each tank, consisting of a yellow base coat followed by a grey top coat to allow clear verification of full coverage.
External tank surfaces were surface prepared and repainted using a direct-to-metal (DTM) paint matched as closely as possible to the original color. All work was performed in coordination with the Prime Contractor and the County Fire Department project manager, and the tanks were returned to service following completion and testing.
Belzona Facts
The Belzona solution enabled phased execution, allowing critical firefighting assets to remain operational throughout the project. The cold-applied epoxy system eliminated the need for hot work at an active wildfire support site, reducing safety risks while accelerating completion. The application extended the service life of steel tanks subjected to repeated emergency use and provided a cost-effective alternative to tank replacement or welded lining systems. In addition, the Belzona epoxy system delivered proven, long-term performance in water immersion environments.
