New Water-Dropping Aircraft Go Into Service In Preparation For 2013 Fire Season
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles County Fire Department Monday unveiled several new aircraft resources that will aide in the upcoming fire season.
Two Canadian CL-415 "Super Scoopers" and an Erickson Air-Crane "Helitanker" went into service Monday afternoon.
"They can scoop over lakes and oceans, turnaround and drop over 1,600 gallons of water," Cpt. Tom Richards told KNX 1070.
LA Co. Fire Unveils 3 New Aircraft In Preparation For 2013 Fire Season
The Super Scoopers 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 Helitanker is capable of delivering 2,500 gallons per drop.
The Department started bringing in the extra aircraft in 1994 following the massive fires the previous year.
Officials anticipate that the 2013 fire season will be the worst yet due to very dry conditions across the Southland.
"We bring it in in the hopes that we don't have to use it, but we prepare for the worst as always," Richards said.
