The chemical is produced as a concentrated liquid or powder, which is diluted with water and then dropped from the belly ... It allows firefighters on the ground to safely approach and extinguish ...

Quick calculations, coordination, communication and feedback were key in helping helicopter pilots hit their spots.

Helicopters suck up the water and can transfer it to firefighters on the ground or make water drops over the fires. California governor Gavin Newsom shared a video of an LA County Fire Department ...