How Air Tankers Fight Fire?

How Air Tankers Fight Fire?
Quizzed ESL Activities

Aerial Firefighting Operations

CAL Fire operates a fleet of aircraft, including tactical OV-10s Broncos, super scoopers, and Boeing 747 super tankers, to combat wildfires from the sky.

Aircraft Capabilities

  • The CL 415 can scoop and drop 1,400 gallons of water in minutes, with a 12-second fill time.
  • The Boeing 747 super tanker can create a 4M long fire line almost instantly, dropping 20,000 gallons of water or fire retardant.

Fire Retardants

Fire retardants consist of 88% water and 12% ammonium phosphate, with gum thickeners and red or pink dye to track drops.

Firefighting Strategy

The strategy involves containing fires on one side while allowing them to burn on the opposite side, with helicopters and aircraft working together to drop water and fire retardant.

Challenges

  • Water supply issues, such as dry hydrants and limited water pressure, can hamper firefighting efforts.
  • High operational costs can lead to the retirement of firefighting aircraft, such as the Boeing 747 super tanker.
Term Definition Example Usage
Aerial Firefighting Combatting wildfires using aircraft to drop water or fire retardants from the sky. CAL Fire operates a fleet of aircraft for aerial firefighting operations to combat wildfires.
Super Scooper An aircraft capable of scooping and dropping large amounts of water to combat wildfires. The CL 415 super scooper can scoop and drop 1,400 gallons of water in minutes.
Fire Retardant A mixture of water and chemicals, such as ammonium phosphate, used to combat wildfires. Fire retardants consist of 88% water and 12% ammonium phosphate, with gum thickeners and red or pink dye.
Tactical Aircraft Aircraft used for specific military or firefighting operations, such as the OV-10 Bronco. CAL Fire operates tactical OV-10s Broncos for aerial firefighting operations.
Fire Line A barrier created to contain a wildfire, often using fire retardants or water. The Boeing 747 super tanker can create a 4M long fire line almost instantly, dropping 20,000 gallons of water or fire retardant.
Containment Strategy A firefighting strategy that involves containing a wildfire on one side while allowing it to burn on the opposite side. The strategy involves containing fires on one side while allowing them to burn on the opposite side, with helicopters and aircraft working together.
Ammonium Phosphate A chemical used in fire retardants to help combat wildfires. Fire retardants consist of 88% water and 12% ammonium phosphate, with gum thickeners and red or pink dye.
Dry Hydrant A hydrant that is not supplied with water, often due to water supply issues. Water supply issues, such as dry hydrants and limited water pressure, can hamper firefighting efforts.
Operational Costs The expenses associated with operating aircraft or equipment, such as fuel, maintenance, and personnel. High operational costs can lead to the retirement of firefighting aircraft, such as the Boeing 747 super tanker.
Fire Suppression The act of reducing or eliminating the spread of a wildfire using various methods, including aerial firefighting. CAL Fire uses fire suppression techniques, including aerial firefighting, to combat wildfires.

Aerial Firefighting Operations Vocabulary Quiz

Test your knowledge of aerial firefighting operations with this 5-question multiple-choice quiz.

1. What is the primary function of a “super scooper” in aerial firefighting operations?








2. What is the approximate fill time for the CL 415 aircraft to scoop water?








3. What is the main component of fire retardants used in aerial firefighting operations?








4. What is a common challenge faced by aerial firefighting operations due to high operational costs?








5. What is the term for the line created by dropping fire retardant or water to contain a wildfire?









Answer Key:

  1. b) To scoop and drop large amounts of water
  2. b) 12 seconds
  3. b) Water
  4. b) The retirement of firefighting aircraft
  5. b) Fire line

Modal Verbs for Ability and Capacity

Modal verbs such as “can” and “be able to” are used to express ability and capacity. In the context of aerial firefighting operations, these verbs are crucial in describing the capabilities of aircraft. For example, “The CL 415 can scoop and drop 1,400 gallons of water in minutes” illustrates the use of “can” to express ability. Similarly, the sentence “The Boeing 747 super tanker can create a 4M long fire line almost instantly” demonstrates the capacity of the aircraft. The choice between “can” and “be able to” depends on the context and the emphasis on ability or capacity.

Quiz Time!

Choose the correct answer for each question:

  1. The Boeing 747 super tanker ____________________ create a 4M long fire line almost instantly.
    1. can
    2. is able to
    3. could
    4. may
  2. The CL 415 ____________________ scoop and drop 1,400 gallons of water in minutes.
    1. is capable of
    2. can
    3. be able to
    4. might
  3. Aerial firefighting aircraft ____________________ work together to drop water and fire retardant.
    1. can
    2. are able to
    3. may
    4. should
  4. The use of fire retardants ____________________ track drops with gum thickeners and red or pink dye.
    1. can
    2. is able to
    3. allows
    4. enables
  5. High operational costs ____________________ lead to the retirement of firefighting aircraft.
    1. can
    2. may
    3. might
    4. could

Answer Key

  1. a) can
  2. b) can
  3. a) can
  4. c) allows
  5. b) may

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