2 SuperScooper firefighting planes added for next heat emergency

Two more CL-415 SuperScooper firefighting aircraft arrived Friday at Van Nuys Airport to augment two already being leased from Quebec.

The Bombardier-made aircraft are being leased by the Los Angeles County Fire Department in response to elevated fire conditions brought on by the state’s extended drought and tinder-dry vegetation.

The county is also leasing a 2,200-gallon Erickson Aircrane Type I Helitanker.

SuperScoopers can carry up to 1,620 gallons of water, which is injected with a fire-resistant foam.

The two that arrived Friday will be available for service next Friday and are due to remain in the area until Nov. 30, but that date can be extended as necessary, said county fire Capt. Keith Mora.

— City News Service