ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Aerial firefighting

Aerial firefighting is when special airplanes and helicopters help put out big fires that are too hard for normal firefighters to control. These planes and helicopters have big tanks that can hold thousands of gallons of water or special chemicals, like fire retardants.

When there's a big fire, the planes and helicopters fly over it and drop the water or chemicals from the tanks. This helps to cool down the fire or stop it from spreading by creating a barrier between the flames and anything else that could catch on fire.

Sometimes, the planes and helicopters use special technology like infrared cameras to find hot spots or areas where the fire is still burning even though it might not be visible.

Aerial firefighting is important because it helps protect people's homes, animals, and trees from getting burned up in a fire. It's a dangerous job, but the brave men and women who do it help make the world a safer place.