Forest fires: Fire-fighting aircraft in the area – How to behave correctly as a skipper

​Severe forest fires are currently keeping emergency services on their toes in southern France, Spain and other Mediterranean regions. Fire-fighting aircraft are also in constant use in many places – and are drawing their water directly from bays and coastal waters, where many water sports enthusiasts are out and about, particularly now during the summer months. What skippers should be aware of.

​The images from the south of France and Spain are dramatic: thousands of firefighters are battling widespread wildfires, supported by fire-fighting aircraft and helicopters. Anyone travelling in the Mediterranean should therefore be aware of how these operations are carried out and how to behave correctly as a skipper.

Water intake during low-altitude flight

The best-known fire-fighting aircraft in Europe are the yellow-and-red Canadair aircraft, officially designated as the CL-415 or its successor, the DHC-515. They can take on several thousand litres of water without having to land. ​In a process known as ‘scooping’, the aircraft skim across the water’s surface at high speed, dip their intake pipes into the water and take on around six tonnes of water in just twelve seconds or so.

For this manoeuvre, the aircraft require several hundred metres of clear water. Whilst taking on water, their ability to manoeuvre is severely restricted. The crew must take into account wind, waves, visibility, obstacles and traffic on the water. At the same time, immediately after taking on water, the aircraft becomes several tonnes heavier and therefore less manoeuvrable. For this reason alone, crews need clear, predictable stretches of water. A boat suddenly crossing their path poses a significant safety risk – both to the boat’s crew and to the emergency services.

Why the wildfires also affect boaters

When taking on water, pilots look for stretches of water that are as calm as possible, with little swell. That is why sheltered bays or areas close to the coast are often used – in other words, precisely those waters that are also popular with sailors and motorboat enthusiasts. The ideal scooping area for fire-fighting aircraft is around 2,000 metres long, 100 metres wide and at least two metres deep – and it is not cordoned off or otherwise marked. It is also important to note that scooping can sometimes create strong suction and waves.

Particularly during major forest fires, the aircraft may be operating a shuttle service: taking on water, flying to the source of the fire, dropping water to extinguish the blaze, and returning immediately for the next run. Consequently, there is a high probability of encountering a fire-fighting aircraft on several occasions.

How skippers recognise a firefighting approach

Not every low-altitude flight immediately involves taking on water. Often, the manoeuvre is signalled in advance. Before the actual water-taking manoeuvre, the crew first flies a reconnaissance circuit over the body of water. This is usually followed by a low-altitude pass along the planned water-collection axis to check the situation and, at the same time, signal the manoeuvre to other road users. Only then does the aircraft return along the same axis and collect water. In practice, this means that if a fire-fighting aircraft repeatedly flies low and in a straight line over the same stretch of water, it is likely preparing to take on water. At this point, at the very latest, skippers should expect that the stretch of water will be needed for the fire-fighting aircraft within a few moments.

How to behave appropriately

Anyone sailing in areas at risk of heat and fire should assess the situation before setting sail. SeaHelp recommends, if in doubt, contacting the local fire brigade or relevant authorities to identify and avoid affected areas. This is particularly advisable during coastal cruises, when anchoring in wooded bays, or when sailing near national parks and island slopes.

As soon as a fire-fighting aircraft begins to scoop up water, there is one thing above all else: leave the area immediately. A distance of at least 500 metres from the axis of the water intake is recommended. Ideally, however, water sports enthusiasts should stay completely clear of the operation areas. If you do happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time: reduce your speed and manoeuvre in a predictable manner. And, of course, you must follow the instructions of the fire service, coastguard or official vessels. Also, a fire-fighting aircraft rarely makes just one pass; several flyovers are usually necessary to tackle the fire. Therefore, the water area should be kept clear even after the water-skimming operation has finished.

Unbelievable but true: following a number of isolated incidents of “racing on the water”, the Balearic Islands’ Ministry of the Environment was forced to launch a campaign in 2024 to highlight the dangers. Under the slogan “Si me ves en el mar, quédate lejos” (If you see me in the sea, stay away), it asked water sports enthusiasts to be considerate and to help.

When it comes to forest fires, every minute counts

During major forest fires, crews often work to the minute. Every aborted approach costs valuable time in the fire-fighting operation. If a pilot has to abort an approach because of a boat, this is not only extremely dangerous, but it also delays the water intake. The entire fire-fighting rhythm comes to a standstill – with consequences for fire-fighting efforts on the ground. Anyone who makes way is therefore not only putting themselves out of danger, but may also be helping to save lives.

Water sports enthusiasts should therefore follow the same rule as they would when encountering sea rescue services, the police or the fire brigade on the water: emergency vehicles always have right of way. If you recognise what the crew are planning to do in good time, keep a safe distance and allow them to carry out their operation safely.

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