The CL-215, in this case Alberta 201, on a good day can approach, touch down on a lake for a "scoop," and be airborne again in about one mile over a 50-foot obstacle. Tanks on board that can contain up to 1200 imperial gallons take roughly 10 seconds to fill. In most cases, a liquid similar to liquid detergent is injected into the tanks and mixes while heading to the drop location.

This photo was taken on Thickwood Lake, northeast of Lac La Biche, Alberta.

Fred Paget, photographer