As wildfires rage across the landscape, the arduous task of firefighting becomes an ever-pressing concern. The past few months have seen unprecedented wildfires engulfing vast areas in Los Angeles, resulting in grave consequences for thousands of residents. This year, what was expected to be a relatively quiet fire season turned into a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by wildfires in an era increasingly shaped by climate change. The fight against these blazes is not only about ground teams but also heavily involves aerial support—air tankers and water bombers that are increasingly becoming essential resources in our firefighting arsenal.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) maintains one of the largest civilian fleets of firefighting aircraft in the world, boasting over 60 fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft. While these assets are crucial, a significant amount of aerial firefighting support comes from private companies that operate specialized fleets. For instance, 10 Tanker Air Carrier employs a unique fleet of retrofitted DC-10 aircraft, adeptly known as Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs). Joel Kerley, CEO of 10 Tanker, underscores the pressing need for air support as demand for firefighting resources grows throughout the calendar year—not just during the traditional April-November wildfire season.
Despite the increasing demand for aerial firefighting, there remains a glaring shortage of air tankers available. The conversation around this shortage is particularly urgent as the intensity and frequency of wildfires continue to escalate. According to the United Nations Environment Program, wildfires are expected to be increasingly severe this century. Aerial support companies note that the United States has seen a consistent increase in the number of acres burned over the past two decades, which correlates directly with the rising demand for firefighting resources.
Kerley’s statement that “there’s not enough air tankers to go around” encapsulates the frustration faced by firefighting services. While countries like Australia are augmenting their fleets, the challenge remains that companies themselves must scale up operations. The current infrastructure is ill-prepared for the onslaught of wildfires, as exemplified by the recent Palisades and Eaton fires. These blazes demonstrated how quickly a fire can spiral out of control, consuming over 37,000 acres and resulting in significant human and environmental tolls.
As firefighters grapple with the unpredictability of fire behavior, the responsibility of aerial firefighting becomes even more complex. The Palisades and Eaton fires showcased not only the overwhelming force of nature but also the limitations of firefighting strategies. With hurricane-force winds complicating operations, the aerial firefighting teams faced challenges that left them scrambling to respond effectively. The issue is compounded by timing; several aircraft may be grounded for routine maintenance at the very moment when they are needed most.
Efforts to deploy air tankers often resemble a race against time, with pilots and ground crews preparing for unconventional missions. The airborne effort to combat the flames manifests as a high-stakes endeavor, where crews engage in precision drops of fire retardant and water, strategically aiming to block the paths of advancing flames. The challenges faced by aerial firefighters require specialized training and skills that not all pilots possess—leading to a niche workforce that stands at the intersection of aviation and emergency response.
A noteworthy aspect of the ongoing battle against wildfires is the development of new technologies and aircraft designed to enhance firefighting capabilities. Companies such as Bridger Aerospace with their Super Scooper planes have emerged as innovative players in this field. These aircraft are designed to scoop water while flying and can make multiple passes over regions of fire, providing much-needed aerial support.
Moreover, the potential launching of new aircraft models, such as the DHC-515 by De Havilland, indicates a forward-thinking approach to firefighting. The next generation of aircraft promises improvements in design and efficiency, catering to the rigors of firefighting in a climate-changed world. Simultaneously, a move towards modern designs may make firefighting efforts more resilient and adaptable moving forward.
Wildfires pose a growing threat to communities, ecosystems, and economies, demanding an immediate reevaluation of our firefighting strategies. As aerial firefighting becomes increasingly vital, there is an urgent need to expand our fleets and invest in innovative technologies to keep pace with the changing environment. The battles against wildfires are fierce and complex, necessitating collaboration and a commitment to enhancing our firefighting capacities. Without significant action through policy changes and investments, we may find that our current resources are insufficient to combat an inferno that only promises to grow more ferocious.