'Super Scoopers' Firefighting Aircraft Arrive From Canada
VAN NUYS (CBSLA.com) — A pair of Super Scoopers firefighting aircraft and an Erickson Aircrane Helitanker helicopter on lease from Quebec, Canada have arrived in Los Angeles County just in time for what is expected to be a record fire season.
Two Bombardier 415 Super Scoopers and an Erickson S-64 Air-Crane Helitanker arrived Wednesday night at Van Nuys Airport from Quebec to bolster Los Angeles County Fire Department's efforts against wildfires.
Capable of carrying up to 1,620 gallons of water, SuperScoopers can also scoop water from a lake in only 12 seconds, get airborne in as little as five minutes and fly three hours before refueling.
The Erickson Aircrane Type I Helitanker is capable of delivering 2,500 gallons per drop.
The acquistions mark the county's 19th year of contracting with the Super Scoopers and the eighth year with the Erickson Helitanker.
Battalion Chief Corey Rose with the Los Angeles Fire Department told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO said dry brush will likely fuel an already dangerous fire threat.
Battalion Chief Corey Rose
"Part of the problem is the rainfall amounts that we've had this rainy season are the lowest on record that was seen in a number of years, so that's just aiding to this large fire growth that we've been seeing," Rose said.
The most threatened regions of Southern California this season are those areas which have not been affected by any wildfires in recent seasons, Rose added.
