In the aftermath of the massive Station Fire, the issue of the timeliness of firefighting aircraft deployment has come under much scrutiny. "Newly released records contradict a finding by the U.S. Forest Service that steep terrain prevented the agency from using aircraft to attack -- and potentially contain -- the Station fire just before it began raging out of control," reports the LA Times. more ›

The LA County Fire Dept. announced that it will renew its lease on two "SuperScooper" airplanes to fight wildfires from September through December. The fixed-wing, amphibious Bombardier CL-415 is capable of scooping up to 1,620 gallons of water from lakes, injecting it with fire-resistant foam (in 12 seconds) and dropping it on wildfires. The LACoFD also leased an Erickson Helitanker, capable of dropping up to 2,200 gallons of water. Click here for video of a SuperScooper swooping down on Big Bear Lake last October. more ›