CALIFORNIA, USA — "I spent a lot of time in northern California last summer and it was used extensively, over 100 missions in California last year," Cal Fire Battalion Chief Jon Heggie said.
But, now that the 747 Supertanker has been pulled from service by the company the operates it, Jon Heggie said the 747 will be missed.
"It's just one resource that unfortunately is not going to be available, but we still have our air tankers," he said.
Those resources include DC-10s, 737s and the C-130, but make no mistake the 747 is huge.
"You're basically dropping a swimming pool out of the back of an airplane; it can be a difference-maker," Heggie said.
The Supertanker carries 17,500 gallons of retardant compared to the DC-10's 9,400 gallons.
"We can make that up, it's just going to take more aircraft," he said.
And, a different strategy when it comes to fighting big fires.
"Make an effective plan and utilize other aircrafts as opposed to that large air tanker," Heggie said.
California is not the only state that will be looking for different strategies.
"It's a very busy piece of equipment come peak fire season. it's being used throughout the western U.S.," Heggie said.
Last year, the Supertanker flew 113 missions in California alone. Fighting wildfires is not just about aircraft in the sky, it requires everyone working together.
"It's a combination, it is us doing our part to mitigate these fires, but it's also the public's responsibility," he said.
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