Reduced visibility from thick smoke, coupled with turbulence created by the fire's heat, can create perilous flying conditions.

Through a probe, the aircraft scoops the water into a tank ... including helicopters and air tankers, that the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) and the L.A ...

Cal Fire has its own fleet of aircraft operating from 14 airfields and 11 helicopter bases across the state that can reach most fires within about 20 minutes.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Southern California's wildfires have put the spotlight on aerial firefighting tools with the CL-415 aircraft ... These planes can scoop 1,500 gallons of water from large bodies ...

Skilled pilots operate these planes to scoop up 1,500 gallons ... which left a significant hole in the aircraft's wing, temporarily grounded all firefighting air operations in the area.

Through a probe, the aircraft scoops the water into a tank ... including helicopters and air tankers, that the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) and the L.A ...