SuperScoopers Arrive to Help Bolster Southland Firefighting Arsenal

• Planes Are Immediately Drafted into Action on Brushfire in Northern Part of the County

BY ANNE SOBLE

The two Canadair CL-415 SuperScooper firefighting aircraft that are leased annually by the County of Los Angeles from the government of Quebec didn’t even have time for the formal welcome and press conference set for Tuesday, they were sent right into the flames of the Acton fire.

The craft’s arrival at Van Nuys Airport Monday coincided with the doubling in size of the fire in the northern county that was possibly started by a lightning strike in rugged areas not dissimilar from the Santa Monica Mountains.

Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky announced that “due to historic dry fuel conditions and fire weather, the Los Angeles County Fire Department has requested that these aircraft begin service one month earlier than usual.”

Yaroslavsky said, “These aircraft repeatedly have proven their value to Los Angeles County. At a time when all fire officials agree that conditions this year are very hazardous, we are pleased to be able to bring the SuperScoopers in early to provide a greater margin of protection for our residents and property owners.”

Despite one of the worst fire histories on record, officials still talk about wildfire as a seasonal occurrence, even as citizen groups lobby to have the planes kept in the county year-round.

The CL-415s are widely used throughout the world and recognized as the most advanced fire-fighting aircraft available.

The SuperScoopers can scoop and drop more than 1600 gallons of water and foam at a time. The planes are provided under a five- year lease program with the province of Quebec.

Los Angeles County traditionally marks the craft’s annual arrival with a media open house to show off the photogenic red and yellow craft that includes county fire officials, elected representatives and homeowner and business groups. But while there are flames roaring out of control, the close-ups will have to wait.