08/26/2026
Since Friday, August 21, Texas A&M Forest Service has responded to 40 requests for assistance on wildfires burning 2,692.2 acres. In addition to heavy equipment, over 25 aviation resources are in state serving a vital role in suppressing wildfires across the state.
Two of these aircrafts are water scoopers. These specialized amphibious aircraft skim over lakes and rivers to collect large volumes of water, which they then drop on active fires to slow their spread and support ground crews.
Texas A&M Forest Service asks all boaters and watercraft users to avoid areas where these aircraft are operating. While these planes can be impressive to watch, getting too close poses serious safety risks, including potential collisions or pilot distractions, which can endanger both the flight crew and those on the water.
Scoot so we can scoop and give scooper aircraft the space they need to protect communities.