Water tanks in the sky: Firefighting planes help ground crews combat California wildfires
Carrying massive loads of water or fire retardant, fast-moving specialized aircraft help contain the spread of wildfires.
Planes are dumping ocean water to fight the Los Angeles fires. Here’s why using saltwater is typically a last resort
While the consequences of adding seawater to ecosystems are not yet well understood, we can gain insights on what to expect by considering the effects of sea-level rise.
Pink Fire Retardant, a Dramatic Wildfire Weapon, Poses Its Own Dangers
It’s widely used because it can slow flames in ways that water can’t. But it also contains heavy metals and other harmful ...
This Is What Is In The Red Water Dropped By Firefighting Planes
If you’ve ever wanted to know what that red liquid that’s dropped from firefighting aircraft is, then we’ve got the answer!
What are ‘Super Scoopers,’ the planes used to fight the L.A. wildfires?
The CL-415 aircraft being used in California can drop large amounts of water on fires and fills its tank by skimming along a ...
What is it the red fire retardant dropped by planes to fight LA wildfires?
The U.S. Forest Service bans the use of long-term fire retardant on federal lands near waterways or endangered species ...
What is the flame retardant that planes are dropping on the LA fires?
As fire crews and air tankers work to block the wildfires' explosive growth, images of red clouds of fire retardant falling onto trees are common. What is it — and what's in it?
16,000 Gallons Water At 350 Kmph, Repeat: 'Super Scoopers' In US Firefight
As wildfires leave a trail of destruction in southern California, claiming lives and gutting cherished homes, amphibious ...
What is pink fire retardant, being used to curb California wildfires — and what are the environmental concerns?
Environmental experts have said that spraying fire retardant using planes is ineffective, expensive and a growing source of ...
What is the pink fire retardant being dropped onto LA fires?
Crews battling the deadly ongoing Los Angeles wildfires have started dropping bright pink fire retardant known as Phos-Chek from the skies to combat the stubborn flames. The eye-catching flame ...
What It's Like To Be A Cargo Plane Pilot Fighting The LA Fires
There are strict rules for aircraft operating in and around a fire to make sure everyone’s flying in a predictable manner.
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Firefighting Planes Are Dumping Ocean Water on the Los Angeles Fires—Why Using Saltwater Is Typically a Last Resort
In Los Angeles, “Super Scooper” planes ... to salty water. In our TEMPEST test plots, we pump salty water from the nearby Chesapeake Bay into tanks, then sprinkle it on the forest soil surface ...