If we even take it one step further and use the Griffith Park fires as an example, why couldn’t we do the same thing? In fact, didn’t we use water scooping planes for that fire?
Living in Southern Califonia, is it a big shock that we are in a drought and we have dry brush? It doesn’t seem like rocket science. Any brush fire, call in the planes, scoop up water and then dump it on the fire.
I think the city should call me the next time there is a fire so I can tell them to use the planes….better yet I should be Mayor.
3 comments:
I don't think you can use salt water on a fire. The salt water would put out the fire, but would destroy the vegetation and soil.
I saw one of those giant fire fighting planes that drop water at an air show. I think they need a really big lake to land on. Since they are so heavy after they load, they have a hard time getting over big hills and mountains when they take off.
anon-
Does it matter if the salt water destroys the vegetation and the soil? Doesn't the fire do the same thing? Plus, these wild brush fires are in the brush anyways...no one is living there.
assuming salt water isn't that bad of an alternative, couldn't the planes use sea water and fly back and forth? it isn't like they have traffic in the air.
what about that fire retardent crap? why not dig a GINORMOUS hole, fill it with fire retardent stuff and let the planes scoop that stuff up?
basically, why aren't fire scooping planes used more?
man...I think what anon meant was destroy vegetation for the long run. Albeit...those are still shrubs..u wouldnt necessarily want the valley turning out to be a desertous mini-mountain!
I dont know how intense the damage using salt water might be..but ~4% salt in ocean water against <0.1% for fresh water..thats a huge amount, considering the amount of water these massive planes would scoop!
And I think fire retardents are Retardents and not extinguishers...I remember a show on discovery..that these fire retardent planes are the ones that have to be very precise as where they drop the retardents ..usually at the fire fringes(fearing how these retardents could percolate to the water ecosystem)..So essentially one Retardent plane is followed by 'n' water planes.
And regarding having more of these planes...Kinda depends on how many the State Govt./County can afford to own or lease for that matter.
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