<p><b> by Jeff Donlan</b></p>Canadair seaplanes are battling wildfires in southern France by scooping up water from the Mediterranean Sea and dousing the flames.<p>The amphibious aircraft can collect more than 1,500 gallons of water in just 12 seconds.</p><p>These missions post multiple dangerous threats for the seaplane pilots because of low altitude, reduced visibility, and a high number of planes in a small area.</p><p>More than 10,000 people have been evacuated from parts of the French Riviera, as strong winds and a lack of rain have fueled the fires.</p><p>Let’s hope this summer hotspot doesn’t burn to the ground.</p></p><br /> <p>The post Firefighting Planes Are Extinguishing France’s Wildfires</a> appeared first on Vocativ</a>.</p>
