It’s a sight now synonymous with California’s fire season: A tanker aircraft flies over vegetation and drops a stream of red. But what exactly is that stuff? It’s fire retardant , used in preemptive strikes to keep flames from spreading.
How effective are fire fighting planes?
The report states, “In general, helicopters and scoopers had higher percentages of effective drops (from 62% for multiengine scoopers to 87% for single-engine scoopers [Fire Bosses]) relative to airtankers (from 43% for LATs to 54% for SEATs).”
What do planes spray on fires?
But what exactly is that stuff? It’s fire retardant, used in preemptive strikes to keep flames from spreading. Phos-Chek is by far the dominant brand and is used around homes and under fireworks displays as well as in fighting wildfires.
What planes are used for forest fires?
Both the CL-215 and Bombardier 415 are Canadian aircraft built specifically for fire suppression and are known in the U.S. as Superscoopers. CL-215 and the Bombardier 415 are amphibious aircraft, which can operate on land and water.
How do planes put out fires?
When a large plane dumps a cloud of red retardant at the site of a forest fire , it helps build a fireline around the flames. By the same token, a helicopter or a small scooper plane dumps water directly onto the wildfire to tamp things down to allow the ground crews to encircle the area with firebreaks.
Can fire retardant be washed off?
Wash retardant off as soon as possible . ... Unless removed from painted surfaces before the retardant dries, it is possible that some fading may occur. • The red color of retardants is due to the use of red iron oxide (rust) to make the retardant drop more visible to the pilots.
Is fire retardant toxic to humans?
The chemicals used in fire retardants can be mildly irritating to humans, but have no serious health effects .
How much is a drop of fire retardant?
In 2020, the federal government and state agencies dropped over 56 million gallons (211,983,060 liters) of retardant, which costs on average $3.10 per gallon , according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
Is fire retardant more effective than water?
Only one retardant drop can be made per trip. So it’s not as efficient as a water drop . The fire retardant itself is also more costly than using water from a lake. ... It is not dropped on to the fire directly, but rather ahead of the advancing flames.
How much does fire retardant cost?
In 2020, the federal government and state agencies dropped over 56 million gallons (211,983,060 liters) of retardant, which costs on average $3.10 per gallon , according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
How much fire retardant does a 747 hold?
Most large air tankers carry up to 3,000 gallons of retardant. The 747 is capable of carrying far more retardant than any other. When first introduced it was listed at 20,000 gallons. Then the federal government certified it at 19,200 gallons .
How much do air tanker pilots make?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $121,500 and as low as $22,500, the majority of Air Tanker Pilot salaries currently range between $42,500 (25th percentile) to $72,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $93,000 annually across the United States.
Why is it called a Bambi bucket?
“Bambi Bucket” isn’t a nickname. It’s actually a trademarked name owned by Canadian industrial fabrics manufacturer SEI Industries (“We Engineer Solutions). ... Folklore will have you believe the bucket got its name from a sultry waitress named Bambie, who worked at a famous firefighter bar in Boise, Idaho.
What removes fire retardant?
Dampen a stained surface with water and scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Dampen the brush and using some borax cleanser may prove to be effective. Cleaners containing enzymes have also been successful in more rapidly reducing the stickiness of the thickener in the retardant.
How long does fire retardant last on fabric?
Fabrics that have been treated with flame retardants are usually certified for one year . If you wash them in your washing machine like any other fabrics the chemicals dissipate over time, which is a good argument for buying used clothing.
What is the pink fire retardant dropped from planes?
The brand name Phos-Chek stems from its active ingredient, ammonium phosphate, and its job to check — that is, stop — fires. Unlike water or firefighting foam, the long-term fire retardant is not meant to be applied to things that are already burning.
