Earlier this month, wildfires alarmingly surged through Los Angeles, threatening the lives and homes of thousands. Despite being deemed the off-season for wildfires, the intensity of these blazes necessitated the immediate deployment of air tankers and firefighting aircraft. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, commonly known as Cal Fire, boasts an impressive fleet of over 60 firefighting aircraft, making it one of the largest civil fleets globally. However, as wildfires intensify across the globe, reliance on private companies with specialized aircraft is becoming increasingly pivotal.
Joel Kerley, CEO of 10 Tanker Air Carrier, highlighted his struggles to assemble resources amidst escalating need. “I was lucky to have two planes available,” he noted, pointing to the dire circumstances that forced firefighting companies to function with limited aerial support. Kerley’s company is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and operates a fleet of four converted DC-10s known as Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs). The wildfire season in the United States typically extends from April to November, a timeframe during which firefighting companies are on constant standby to manage outbreaks. However, recent data suggests that demand for these aerial firefighting services is no longer confined to seasonal incidents.
Changes in Global Firefighting Strategies
The urgent need for aerial firefighting resources signals a global shift in strategies to combat wildfires. Research from the United Nations Environment Program indicates that wildfires are expected to become increasingly frequent and severe in the coming decades. Corresponding reports from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reflect a stark reality: the acreage consumed by wildfires in the U.S. has surged dramatically over the past 20 years.
Kerley underscores the burgeoning demand, stating, “There’s not enough air tankers to go around.” Countries such as Australia, which have recently weathered catastrophic wildfires, have begun fortifying their aerial fleets. Kerley suggests that companies like his will need to adapt and expand significantly to meet this escalating need if demand continues on its current trajectory.
One set of fire incidents that exemplified the challenges faced was the Palisades and Eaton fires, which wreaked havoc on the suburbs of Los Angeles. These fires consumed over 37,000 acres, obliterating approximately 16,000 structures and leading to a heart-wrenching death toll of at least 28 people. The devastation highlighted not only the vulnerability of communities in fire-prone areas but also the chronic resource inadequacies plaguing firefighting operations.
As the Los Angeles wildfires broke out unexpectedly during the off-season, many aircraft were caught in routine maintenance, further complicating firefighting efforts. Sam Davis, CEO of Bridger Aerospace, admitted that his aircraft were undergoing intensive winter maintenance. “It was a push to get the first aircraft out the door,” he stated—a reflection of the unanticipated demand that caught many, including pilots and mechanics, off guard.
Financial reports from Bridger indicate a growing profitability correlating with the sustained demand for firefighting assistance. The company increased its revenue forecasts significantly, revealing the harsh reality of heightened wildfire conditions and the need for reliable aerial support.
Acquiring new aircraft and adapting existing ones for aerial firefighting missions is not a straightforward process. Kevin McCullough, president of Aero Air, explained that converting a typical commercial jet into a firefighting aircraft is a meticulous endeavor requiring over a year. The complexities of such modifications emphasize the critical need for a reliable and readily available aerial fleet in times of crisis.
The operational dynamics of aerial firefighting are intricate. Air tankers drop fire retardants or water directly onto active blazes, blocking the flames’ advance. Success in this demanding field requires specially trained pilots who must navigate challenging conditions, including strong winds and rugged terrains. Paul Petersen, executive director of the United Aerial Firefighters Association, recognized the difficulties and dangers faced by these pilots, who often come from military backgrounds or transition from commercial aviation roles.
The ongoing climate crisis has exacerbated wildfire risks, necessitating more advanced firefighting solutions. The last DC-10 aircraft rolled off the production line nearly four decades ago, yet companies like 10 Tanker have adapted these planes to drop precise quantities of fire retardant. In contrast, newer models, such as those from De Havilland, are designed to scoop water from bodies of water and offer greater efficiency in firefighting operations.
As nations recognize the reality of an escalating wildfire crisis, the demand for effective aerial firefighting solutions will only grow. Companies are beginning to order advanced models, like the upcoming DHC-515 from De Havilland, highlighting a commitment to enhancing firefighting capabilities in the face of the intense challenges presented by climate change and wildfires.
As we delve deeper into a future where such devastating wildfires become part of our annual struggles, the emphasis placed on refining aerial firefighting resources is imperative. A proactive approach in enhancing fleets and training will be crucial in safeguarding communities vulnerable to the destructiveness of wildfires.