Here’s the Scoop

After last year’s wildfires, the Los Angeles County Fire Department has temporarily added two new weapons to its firefighting arsenal: a pair of amphibious aircraft known as Super Scoopers.

One of the planes was used Monday afternoon for the third time on a brush fire in the City of Industry near the Crossroads Parkway off-ramp of the Pomona Freeway. Flames were moving quickly toward several homes when firefighters arrived, but it the aid of the plane it was extinguised in 45 minutes and no homes were lost, said County Fire Inspector Mark Savage.

Through a unique partnership between the county and insurance companies, the Canadian-made aircraft have been leased from the Quebec government for a three-month trial.

The Super Scoopers, based at Van Nuys Airport, are able to carry three times as much water as the county’s firefighting helicopters fand need not land to replenish their water supply.

A Look at California’s Ties to the Super Scooper 1970: Canadair, the plane’s manufacturer, volunteers a CL-215 to fight Berkeley fires. Los Angeles County requests use of the plane to help fight fires in Malibu. After three days, the aircraft are returned because of contractual disputes with other fixed-wing firefighting aircraft.

1979: Two planes are tested for 2 1/2 months by Los Angeles County Fire Department, helping fight Laurel Canyon fire in September.

1980: Ballot initiative aimed at purchasing two aircrafts fails to get required two-thirds vote.

1982: Legislation introduced to authorize state purchase of two CL-215s. In October, two aircraft are leased for testing by forestry department.

1991: After destructive Oakland and Berkeley Hills wildfires, Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman (D-Brentwood) introduces legislation to lease two Super Scoopers for 1992-93 fire season.

1992: Legislation passes state Assembly and Senate, but is vetoed by governor.

1993: After disastrous wildfires in Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange counties, Friedman tries again to get state approval to lease two Super Scoopers for 1994-95 season.

June, 1994: Friedman legislation passes Assembly.

August, 1994: Friedman legislation passes Senate.

September, 1994: County Board of Supervisors votes to fund leasing of one CL-215 for up to three months beginning in October. Gov. Wilson signs law enabling state to lease two Super Scoopers for 1995 and 1996 fire seasons.

October, 1994: Canadair provides two planes for testing and evaluation. California insurance industry contributes to funding.

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* Length 65 feet * Wingspan 94 feet * Weight: 43,850 pounds

* Fuel capacity: 1,530 gallons, enough to permit four hours of flight.

* Water storage capacity: Two tanks hold 1,410 gallons, about the same as 43 bathtubs.

* Foam storage capacity: Two tanks hold 159 gallons.

* Crew: Two Canadian pilots and one from L.A. County Fire Department per plane.

* Leasing cost: Three months for $719,000 for two crews and mechanics, plus $515 an hour in flight.

* Purchase price: $16.5 million. * Baffle: Excess water drains through baffle

* Scoops: Water rushes into tanks through a pair of 3-by-5-inch scoops. * Water drop doors: Two doors open to release water. * Fuselage: Like a giant pontoon, the unusual shape permits water landings and takeoffs. * Wingtip pontoons: Provide added stability.

The Scoop

The county Fire Department has identified up to 15 local bodies of water from which the plane can scoop, including the ocean. The body of water must be at least 4,000 feet long, 300 feet wide and six feet deep. It can scoop in head winds to 45 m.p.h. and waves to five feet. Pilots change technique in high-wave conditions, scooping across crest of waves instead of bouncing from wave to wave. Here’s what takes place:

1. As plane skims water at 100 m.p.h., pilot lowers the two 3-by-5-inch scoops. (A)

2. Water rushes through scoops into two storage tanks (B).

3. In about 10 seconds, tank is full and plane rises off water.

The Drop

With small spotter plane leading the way, the Super Scooper begins its drop of water or water and foam from as low as 150 feet. Foam is often used ininitial attack on a fire. It is a soapy concentrate that helps water “cling” to vegetation. 1. Pilot opens water drop doors, releasing water onto fire. 2. If foam is used, pilot uses control that injects foam concentrate from its storage tank (C) into water tank. Upon release, mixture puffs up to 25 times its volume.

Sources: Canadair; Los Angeles County Fire Department