Why doesn't California invest in 'Super Scooper' aircraft in its firefighting efforts?

SAN FRANCISCO — Southern California’s wildfires have highlighted the importance of aerial firefighting tools, particularly the CL-415 aircraft, also known as the ‘Super Scooper.’ This aircraft gained attention after an unauthorized drone collided with one of the planes while it was combating the Palisades Fire.

These planes can scoop 1,500 gallons of water from large bodies of water, like the ocean, in just seconds.

But experts and officials say they may not be the perfect solution for California’s unique challenges.

The Super Scoopers, which are manufactured by De Havilland Canada, are utilized in Europe, Australia, and various other regions around the world. Neil Sweeney, the CEO of De Havilland, attributes their increasing global demand to their efficiency in firefighting operations.

MORE: Water-dropping ‘super scooper’ hit by drone while flying over Palisades Fire; FAA investigating

“Depending on how close the fire is to the water source, you can be scooping, dropping, and returning in 8 to 10 minutes.” Sweeney said.

Despite their remarkable capabilities, California has not procured any of these aircraft for permanent ownership. Instead, the state opts to lease them for 90-day periods, as confirmed by a public information officer from the LA County Fire Department.

Firefighting experts point to the state’s specific needs and limitations. Chief Daniel Berlant, California’s State Fire Marshal, emphasized that different fires require different tools.

“Our helicopters are able to quickly access water and drop it in areas that planes may not be able to reach,” Berlant said. “They can dip into a stream, lake, or even someone’s swimming pool.”

MORE: California fires: Ways to help those affected by multiple, growing wildfires

Environmental concerns are another factor. Michael Gollner, director of UC Berkeley’s Fire Research Lab, explained that using ocean water can have long-term impacts on the ground.

“You’re going to increase the salinity, which may make it difficult for plants to grow,” Gollner said. “Saltwater is also highly corrosive, which could cause long-term damage to firefighting equipment.”

California relies on a diverse arsenal of firefighting tools, including 23 air tankers that carry up to 1,200 gallons of water mixed with fire retardant. CAL FIRE officials say this mixture offers additional benefits.

“It acts as a fertilizer base, aiding in the regeneration of the affected area,” a CAL FIRE spokesperson noted.

The state has also upgraded its fleet with Black Hawk helicopters, which are faster, have dual engines, and can operate at night. These advanced aircraft allow for 24/7 aerial firefighting when conditions permit.

Now Streaming 24/7 Click Here

Copyright © 2025 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
‘The Monkey’ Comes to Digital, But When Will ‘The Monkey’ Movie Be Streaming?

When Will ‘The Monkey’ Movie Be Available for Streaming?

Hollywood continues to benefit from the steady supply of horror stories from…
Karen Read judge sued over 'buffer zone' keeping protesters away from courthouse

Lawsuit Filed Against Judge Karen Over Keeping Protesters Away from Courthouse

Four protesters have filed a lawsuit against Judge Beverly Cannone concerning a…
Trump Shows Off Declaration of Independence Now Hanging Prominently in the White House

Dusty Atmosphere: WWII Veteran and MAGA Supporter Seeks Special Guest for 104th Birthday Celebration

A 104-year-old WWII veteran from Ohio is getting ready to celebrate his…
Measles outbreak: Medical experts warn against giving children Vitamin A as substitute for MMR vaccine

Medical professionals caution against using Vitamin A instead of the MMR vaccine for children during measles outbreak

HOUSTON, Texas — Medical experts are discussing a new concern related to…
Teddi Mellencamp Confirms She Has Stage 4 Melanoma In Emotional Interview After Cancer Spread To Her Lungs And Brain

Teddi Mellencamp Reveals Stage 4 Melanoma Diagnosis in Emotional Interview After Cancer Spreads to Lungs and Brain

Reality TV personality Teddi Mellencamp from the show Real Housewives of Beverly…
‘Bosch: Legacy’ Season 3 Episode 1 Recap: Back in Bosch-ness

Recap of Episode 1 from Season 3 of ‘Bosch: Legacy’ – Returning to the World of Bosch

In the first season of “Bosch: Legacy,” Maddie Bosch, portrayed by Madison…
NYC Mayor Eric Adams says he's leaving Democratic primary to run for re-election as a independent

New York City Mayor Eric Adams switches from Democratic primary to run for re-election as an independent

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced he will run his re-election…
‘Gilmore Girls’ Creator Amy Sherman-Palladino On The Potential For Reviving The Series: “Never Say Never”

Amy Sherman-Palladino, Creator of ‘Gilmore Girls,’ Open to the Idea of Bringing Back the Show: “Anything is Possible”

No, it’s not snow, it’s the smell of fresh hope in the…
Leading Canadian conservative says Ottawa should remove all tariffs as 'Liberation Day' arrives

A prominent Canadian conservative suggests that Ottawa eliminate all tariffs as a way to celebrate ‘Liberation Day’.

In anticipation of President Donald Trump’s planned reciprocal tariffs labeled as “Liberation…
The full truth about Elon Musk's DOGE exit revealed by White House insiders: Why Trump is 'highly disappointed'... and 'Ice Maiden' Susie Wiles's relentless vendetta

Insiders at the White House share details on Elon Musk’s departure from DOGE: Trump expresses deep disappointment, while Susie Wiles continues her relentless pursuit.

The White House is working aggressively to refute a shocking report claiming…
Boston DA considering criminal charges against ICE agent who arrested illegal immigrant during trial

Boston District Attorney Contemplating Criminal Charges Against ICE Agent for Arresting Undocumented Immigrant During Trial

A district attorney from Massachusetts is contemplating bringing criminal charges against an…
Liberation Day: Trump Was Right About Everything, and That Is What the So-Called Experts Resent the Most

Trump’s Accuracy on Liberation Day is What Experts Dislike the Most

President Donald Trump recently declared “Liberation Day” for America in the White…