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Rising Wildfire Threats Drive Demand for Aerial Firefighting Aircraft

As the sun set over Los Angeles in early January 2025, the skies darkened not only with the approaching dusk but also with the ominous plumes of smoke rising from the Palisades and Eaton fires. These were not just ordinary wildfires; they were among the most devastating the state had seen, fueled by hurricane-force Santa Ana winds that swept through the region. In a matter of days, they had consumed over 37,000 acres, obliterating entire neighborhoods and claiming at least 28 lives. The scale of destruction was staggering, with more than 16,000 homes and structures either damaged or destroyed.

Traditionally, the wildfire season in the United States runs from April to November, a period when air tanker companies like 10 Tanker Air Carrier are under contract with the U.S. Forest Service. Joel Kerley, CEO of 10 Tanker, which operates a fleet of four converted DC-10 aircraft—known as Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs)—found himself in an unprecedented situation. “I was lucky to have two aircraft available to help fight the flames,” he remarked, illustrating the growing demand for aerial firefighting resources, even during what is supposed to be the off-season.

The urgency of this situation highlights a pressing issue: There simply aren’t enough air tankers to go around. According to Kerley, who has a background in aviation management for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the demand for firefighting aircraft has surged, exacerbated by the changing climate and the increasing frequency of wildfires. The United Nations Environment Program has warned that wildfires are expected to become more prevalent and severe as we move deeper into the 21st century, a sentiment echoed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has documented a significant increase in the area burned by wildfires over the past two decades.

The sheer scale of the firefighting effort is staggering. In the case of the Palisades and Eaton fires, Kerley reported that his aircraft had dropped over 273,000 gallons of fire retardant—a vivid reminder of the crucial role air support plays in battling these blazes. Yet, the situation was complicated further by the fact that many aircraft were undergoing routine maintenance, a dilemma faced not just by 10 Tanker but also by other companies like Bridger Aerospace. CEO Sam Davis noted, “We’re in heavy winter maintenance on all of our aircraft,” underscoring the logistical challenges of maintaining a fleet capable of responding to emergencies at a moment’s notice.

Aerial firefighting is not as straightforward as it may seem. The pilots, often drawn from military backgrounds or passenger airlines, face unique challenges. Paul Petersen, executive director of the United Aerial Firefighters Association, explained that dropping water or fire retardant is particularly tricky when fires erupt in rugged terrain or during adverse weather conditions. The pilots must navigate not only the landscape but also the fierce winds that can ground aircraft or push flames in unpredictable directions.

The technological landscape of firefighting is evolving as well. Companies are investing in new aircraft models to enhance their capabilities. For instance, Canada’s De Havilland Aircraft is working on the new DHC-515, set to enter operations in 2028. This new generation promises improvements in cockpit air conditioning for high temperatures, water-drop control, and anti-corrosion features to withstand the rigors of firefighting in coastal areas. “Given the age of the aircraft and the impact of climate change, demand is just going to increase,” remarked Neil Sweeney, vice president of corporate affairs at De Havilland.

The financial landscape for these companies is also changing. Bridger Aerospace reported record revenue in the third quarter of 2023, driven by extended fire seasons and ongoing demand for aerial support. Their projections for yearly revenue have been adjusted upward, highlighting the economic viability of aerial firefighting in an era when wildfires are no longer confined to a specific season.

The situation in Los Angeles serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. As wildfires continue to threaten lives and property across the globe, the need for enhanced aerial firefighting capabilities will only grow. The lessons learned from the Palisades and Eaton fires may provide critical insights for improving response strategies and investing in technology that can better protect communities from the ravages of wildfire. In this evolving landscape, the collaboration between public agencies and private companies will be paramount in ensuring that we are better prepared for the next fire season—whenever it may occur.

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