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The Guardian World1 min read
How rising jet fuel prices are driving up the cost of fighting wildfires
TL;DR
Rising jet fuel prices are significantly increasing the costs associated with fighting wildfires. This trend is impacting aerial firefighting operations across the United States.
Key points
- Rising jet fuel prices are increasing wildfire fighting costs
- Aerial firefighting operations are impacted across the U.S.
- 'Fire Boss' airplanes are used for aerial firefighting
- Dauntless Air operates specialized firefighting aircraft
Mentioned in this story
Dauntless AirBrett L'Esperance
Fire Boss airplanes
A firefighting aircraft drops retardant ahead of the Palisades Fire on Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
In the summer of 2021, five "Fire Boss" airplanes skimmed the surface of a lake. They belonged to aerial firefighting company Dauntless Air, and they were helping fight a wildfire in Washington state.
CEO Brett L'Esperance described the planes this way: "So if you've ever seen Planes 2, this is Dusty Crophopper."
In a video of the maneuver shared by Dauntless Air, the single-engine aircraft roar across the water one by one, filling their twin pontoons with water.
While the U.S. government is in charge of fighting most big wildfires, nearly all the 500 or so aircraft they use are privately owned by contractors like Dauntless.
"Fire Boss" airplanes skim the surface of a lake while helping fight a wildfire in Washington state in the summer of 2021.
Credit: Dauntless Air
Last year, those planes burned through about $50 million worth of jet fuel. Every fire season is different, but if this year is the same as last season, that fuel bill would almost double to nearly $100 million. That's because the price of jet fuel has skyrocketed since the war in Iran began in late February. Ultimately, taxpayers will be the ones to shell out tens of millions of dollars more to fight summer wildfires this year.
Willis Curdy, a retired firefighting-aircraft pilot, said planes are often pushed to their limits.
"This is not like getting in a 737 and going to 33,000 feet," Curdy said.
Curdy, who spent nearly 40 years fighting wildfires, said the advanced maneuvers that pilots use come at a high cost.
"You're asking for a lot of power, a lot of [additional] fuel consumption than you would if you're high, just gliding through the air," he said.
Most aerial firefighting companies have contracts that allow them to pass along higher fuel prices to U.S. taxpayers.
Q&A
How are rising jet fuel prices affecting wildfire fighting costs?
Rising jet fuel prices are driving up operational costs for aerial firefighting, making it more expensive to combat wildfires.
What are 'Fire Boss' airplanes used for in wildfire fighting?
'Fire Boss' airplanes are specialized aircraft used for aerial firefighting, capable of dropping water and retardant on wildfires.
Who is the CEO of Dauntless Air and what do they do?
Brett L'Esperance is the CEO of Dauntless Air, an aerial firefighting company that operates 'Fire Boss' airplanes to combat wildfires.
What impact do fuel prices have on wildfire management strategies?
Increasing fuel prices can lead to higher costs for wildfire management, potentially affecting resource allocation and response strategies.
