Water Drop

A firefighting technique used during aerial wildfire suppression efforts, in which water is released from a specialized bucket or tank attached to an aircraft, such as a helicopter or fixed-wing airplane. The water is typically dropped directly onto flames or hot spots to cool the fire, slow its spread, and support the efforts of ground-based firefighting crews. Water drops can be particularly valuable in remote or difficult-to-access areas where traditional firefighting methods may be limited. In legal disputes related to wildfires, such as the Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak Fire, issues may arise concerning the availability, effectiveness, and coordination of water drops as a suppression tactic, as well as the responsibility of various parties in managing and responding to the wildfire event using this technique.