New Delhi:
As wildfires leave a trail of destruction across Southern California, claiming lives and burning down beloved homes, a Canadian amphibious aircraft known as the Super Scooper comes to the rescue. The CL-415 aircraft is specifically designed to extinguish forest fires and can scoop water and spray it on flames, optionally mixed with foam.
NEW: The FBI has launched an investigation to find the drone operator who cut a 3×6 hole into a Canadian super scooper plane that was extinguishing the LA fire.
According to The War Zone, the plane was initially grounded, but thankfully two more Super Scoopers are still flying.
“I just… pic.twitter.com/drKsj6r4da
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 13, 2025
Super Scoopers vs Air Tankers
A Washington Post report explained how super scoopers are a more effective means of extinguishing fires than helicopters equipped with buckets or air tankers. These aircraft can collect 1,600 gallons of water at a time, much more than helicopters that use buckets to extinguish fires. Also, unlike air tankers, super scoopers do not need to land to collect water. They can skim the surface of nearby bodies of water at speeds in the 100 mph range, refilling their water supply, and resuming the firefight.
How does a super scooper work?
The Super Scooper has a wingspan of 93 feet and a body length of 65 feet. It has a system that allows water to be mixed with concentrated foam for more effective fire suppression. When a water tank needs to be filled, the pilot maneuvers the aircraft to skim the surface of a body of water. Water is pumped through the probe into the tank, and it takes approximately 12 seconds for the tank to fill. Alternatively, you can use the hose to fill the super scooper’s water tank. Once fully charged, the aircraft can fly to the disaster area at speeds of 350 km/h. Pilots can lower the water all at once or use four doors in sequence to pour water over a large area, the Post reported.
Super scooper stranded after drone attack pic.twitter.com/a7ApxeNHm1
— LA County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) January 10, 2025
Super Scoopers fight US wildfires
The Los Angeles County Fire Department received two Super Scoopers from the Quebec government on a 30-year lease. Of these, only one is currently operational after colliding with an illegal drone while fighting fires. The impact left a “fist-sized” mark on the plane, AFP reported. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Malone told reporters that the pilots did not notice the collision and landed safely. The aircraft has been grounded and may return after repairs. SOPFEU, a Canadian nonprofit that works with the Quebec government to provide super scoopers, has announced it will provide two more CL-415s to Los Angeles, the Post reported.
The wildfires have killed at least 24 people, destroyed more than 12,000 structures and displaced more than 100,000 people. The victims include some of Hollywood’s top celebrities. Economic losses are estimated at approximately $150 billion.
