A video released by Coulson Aviation showcases the intense efforts of Canadian helicopters and waterbombers battling the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The footage captures the aerial assault as crews combat the flames, highlighting the crucial role of aviation resources in this 'aerial firefight'. The blazes have claimed at least 25 lives and destroyed thousands of homes, prompting a massive response from firefighters across the United States and Canada.
A video released by Coulson Aviation showcases the intense efforts of aerial firefighting crews battling the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The footage captures a helicopter, filled with water, swooping low over a roaring inferno, releasing its payload with precision. This aerial assault is a critical component of the fight against the blazes that have claimed at least 25 lives and destroyed thousands of homes.
Coulson Aviation's helicopters, alongside waterbombing planes provided by Quebec, have played a pivotal role in this 'aerial firefight'. As blistering winds hinder ground crews from accessing the flames, these aerial assets become the primary weapon against the relentless spread of fire. Wayne Coulson, CEO of Coulson Aviation, highlights the unprecedented challenges posed by this fire season. He emphasizes how winds exceeding 140 kilometers per hour last week rendered traditional firefighting methods ineffective, forcing mass evacuations and creating a chaotic situation. The reliance on aerial firefighting becomes even more crucial in such scenarios, as it allows firefighters to combat the flames from a safe distance and provide crucial support to ground crews. Coulson Aviation, based in Port Alberni, British Columbia, deploys three Boeing CH-47 Chinook helitankers, each capable of carrying over 11,000 liters of water. These powerful machines, along with an 'overwatch helicopter' equipped with thermal imaging for nighttime operations, have been contracted by Southern California Edison to combat the inferno. Over the past week, Coulson Aviation has dropped over 4.5 million liters of water on the fires, with a significant portion released during nighttime hours. Quebec has also committed to sending more aid to California, with two additional CL-415 aircraft joining the existing team of four water bombers, 12 pilots, and six technicians. Pascal Duclos, head pilot of the Quebec team, expresses his deep concern for the devastation caused by the wildfires, emphasizing the scale of the destruction and the need for comprehensive rebuilding efforts. He acknowledges the constant threat of new fires ignited by dry conditions and strong winds, but also notes the return to service of one of their planes, which had been grounded after a collision with a drone. Coulson reports a slight easing of wind conditions by Wednesday, stating that no structures are currently under threat. However, he remains vigilant, emphasizing the importance of remaining on high alert. Despite the challenges, Coulson expresses admiration for his team's dedication and unwavering commitment. He highlights the high morale and the collective desire to help during this crisis. This firefight in California serves as a valuable learning experience, revealing the critical role of aviation resources, particularly at night, in combatting large-scale wildfires. Local authorities have acknowledged that without these aerial assets, the fires could have been twice as large, underlining the decisive impact of air support. Coulson emphasizes the need for Canada to invest in similar heavy assets capable of tackling wildfires at night. He underscores the importance of international cooperation in wildfire management, recognizing that fire transcends geographical boundaries. He points to the support received from other states and international partners, including Canada, as a testament to the global commitment to combating this shared threat. Luc Dugas, an engineer with Quebec's forest fire prevention agency, reinforces the idea of mutual assistance among countries experiencing wildfires. He notes Quebec's willingness to deploy additional firefighters if requested by California, drawing a parallel to California's support during Quebec's record wildfire season in 2023.
WILDFIRE CANADA CALIFORNIA FIREFIGHTING AERIALASSAULT COULSON AVIATION QUEBEC WILDFIRE PREVENTION INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
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