On September 5, 2018 at a press conference held at Van Nuys Airport, the government of Québec confirmed the arrival of two of its Bombardier CL-415 aircraft in California to fight forest fires.
In the picture, from left to right: Elizabeth Mackay (Québec Government Representative in Los Angeles), Daryl Osby (Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief) and Kathryn Barger (Los Angeles County Supervisor)
The Québec Government Representative in Los Angeles, Elizabeth MacKay, has announced, along with Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and L.A. County Fire Department Chief Daryl Osby, that these aircraft, as well as Québec pilots from the Service aérien du gouvernement du Québec, are back for a 25th year to support L.A. firefighters. This press conference was also an opportunity to reiterate the close relationship between Québec and California, especially in times of crisis.
These Bombardier CL-415s, also known as Superscoopers, can scoop 1,600 gallons of water in seconds and will be used to fight the wildfires raging in the Los Angeles area. Québec pilots will work with the Los Angeles Fire Department to ensure the safety of residents and protect property.
These planes are leased for a period of 90 days but the agreement could be extended if need be.