The sky above Los Angeles has become a battlefield in the backdrop ofCalifornia’s ongoing wildfires. Helicopters and air tankers, silhouetted against the setting sun, dart through towering plumes of smoke, dropping flame retardants and water to quell the raging infernos.
AFP reporters from a helicopter above the city observed at least six wildfires spewing smoke into the horizon, resembling volcanic eruptions across the mountainous landscape. The newly ignited Kenneth Fire near Calabasas, known for its celebrity residents like the Kardashians, prompted an immediate aerial assault.
Coordinated Air Efforts Amid Chaos
The sudden appearance of the Kenneth Fire on Thursday afternoon stirred frantic activity in airspace that had otherwise been quiet. Helicopters flew low, dropping water to the fire’s edge, while higher up, smaller aircraft steered tankers carrying bright-red retardants.
“It’s crazy town,” said Albert Azouz, a helicopter pilot with years of experience taming California‘s fires, including the infamous blazes of 2018 that ravaged Malibu. Yet even for Azouz, a three-decade veteran, the scale of the current effort is breathtaking.
WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:
Canadian firefighter plane assists with putting out the wildfires in Los Angeles.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) January 9, 2025
Reinforcements From Afar
Aircraft like Boeing Chinook helitankers, carrying 3,000-gallon tanks, have been deployed from as far north as Canada. Grounded earlier in the week due to 100-mile-per-hour winds, these tankers have become crucial in combating the flames, especially in inaccessible terrain.
Helicopters made hundreds of water drops on Thursday, with specialised night-flying units continuing operations even after dusk. Officials worked against the clock, anticipating a return of strong gusts that could further fan the flames.
The Struggle Continues
The battle against California‘s wildfires is on, as air and ground crews strive to mitigate the damage. The ongoing fight between Kenneth Fire and other blazes and the firefighters speaks of a sense of urgency about swift and coordinated action against the fury of nature.
