Mon Jan 13 10:57:11 UTC 2025: ## Canadian Super Scoopers Battle California Wildfires, Despite Drone Attack
**Los Angeles, CA –** As devastating wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, claiming at least 24 lives, destroying over 12,000 structures, and displacing more than 100,000 people, including several Hollywood celebrities, Canadian amphibious aircraft known as Super Scoopers are playing a crucial role in the firefighting efforts. The economic losses are estimated at a staggering $150 billion.
Two Super Scoopers, CL-415 aircraft leased from the Quebec government, were deployed to Los Angeles County. However, one aircraft was forced out of service after colliding with an illegally flown drone, sustaining a significant hole in its fuselage. The pilots, unaware of the impact, landed safely. The FBI has launched an investigation into the incident.
Despite this setback, the Canadian government, through SOPFEU (a non-profit organization), has pledged to send two additional Super Scoopers to bolster the firefighting capacity. These specialized aircraft offer a significant advantage over traditional methods. They can scoop up to 1,600 gallons of water in just 12 seconds from any nearby water source at speeds of up to 160 km/h, mixing it with foam if needed, and then release it onto the fire at speeds up to 350 km/h. This superior efficiency surpasses both helicopters using buckets and air tankers, which require landings for water refills.
The damaged Super Scooper is currently grounded for repairs, but the arrival of the additional aircraft is expected to provide much-needed support in battling the raging infernos. The incident highlights the increasing threat posed by drones to emergency response operations.
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