News Summary
The Los Angeles County Fire Department has bolstered its wildfire response capabilities by acquiring two CL-415 Super Scoopers on loan from Quebec. These aircraft, which can scoop water in just 10-15 seconds and hold up to 1,600 gallons, will be stationed at Van Nuys Airport for quick deployment. Their operational efficiency is crucial as California anticipates an elevated fire danger in the upcoming wildfire season. This partnership between Los Angeles and Quebec allows for shared expertise and resources, ensuring effective large-scale responses to wildfires.
Los Angeles – In a strategic move to bolster aerial firefighting capabilities ahead of the 2025 wildfire season, the Los Angeles County Fire Department has received two CL-415 Super Scoopers on loan from Quebec. These aircraft, known for their impressive firefighting capabilities, are expected to play a vital role in combating wildfires during a year forecasted to have elevated fire danger due to a lack of substantial rainfall over the past year.
Each Super Scooper, measuring over 65 feet in length with a wingspan of approximately 93 feet, is capable of holding up to 1,600 gallons of water. The aircraft can perform water scooping in just 10 to 15 seconds, and can deliver these large quantities of water every two to three minutes. Once airborne, they can operate for about 2.5 hours before requiring refueling. This operational efficiency makes them a formidable asset in the urgent response needed during wildfire outbreaks.
The CL-415 Super Scoopers will be strategically stationed at Van Nuys Airport, optimizing their deployment in response to fire threats across the region. A media day showcasing the aircraft was held on September 5, marking the first detailed viewing of these essential firefighting tools for the public and the media.
These aircraft are not newcomers to California’s firefighting efforts. The annual partnership between Los Angeles and Quebec for aerial firefighting initiatives has been established since 1994, allowing for shared resources and expertise between the two regions. This partnership has previously deployed the Super Scoopers during critical fire scenarios, such as the Palisades and Eaton fires in early 2025, where they faced hazardous flying conditions and extraordinary winds.
During the recently concluded 2024-2025 fire season, over 40 pilots and technicians were involved in the missions utilizing these Super Scoopers. This extensive workforce highlights the coordinated effort necessary to manage aerial firefighting missions, especially in the challenging terrain and weather conditions characteristic of California compared to Canada.
Fire Chief Anthony Marrone underscored the significance of the Super Scoopers in maintaining an adequate firefighting resource level, particularly given the alarming levels of live fuel moisture in the region. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger also emphasized that these aircraft are critical for effective large-scale wildfire response throughout the year, ensuring that the county is well-prepared to tackle any fire emergencies that may arise.
The 2025 wildfire season is already being anticipated with concerns about increased fire threats due to ongoing climate conditions. Firefighting pilots must adhere to stringent communication protocols and maintain contingency plans during operations to ensure the safety and effectiveness of aerial firefighting efforts. Safety concerns have been amplified since a drone collided with a Super Scooper in January 2025, highlighting the necessity for strict regulations against unauthorized drone operations near firefighting aircraft.
The Super Scoopers are capable of reaching speeds exceeding 160 knots when fully loaded, further enhancing their operational capability during critical firefighting missions. With the added support from these aircraft, the Los Angeles County Fire Department aims to fortify its aerial firefighting operations, thereby enhancing its overall readiness for what could be a demanding wildfire season.
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Additional Resources
- Daily News: Super Scoopers Return to Los Angeles
- ABC7: Arrival of Super Scoopers
- CBS News: Super Scoopers from Quebec
- CNN: Super Scooper Drone Collision
- NDTV: Super Scoopers in US Wildfires
- Wikipedia: Aerial firefighting
- Google Search: Super Scoopers Wildfires
- Google Scholar: Aerial firefighting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- Google News: Los Angeles Fire Department Super Scoopers
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
