The Pacific Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles has been the most devastating fire in recent history, taking out entire neighborhoods and killing 11 people. Every effort is being used to try and contain the flames, to stop the spread, and eventually, take it out altogether. One unlikely player in the war against the flames is the DC-10 aircraft, a wide-body passenger airplane with an atrocious safety record. A video shows a montage of several of these planes being used to aid in keeping what’s left of Los Angeles safe from further devastation. It’s great that we have such a wide variety of aircraft that can help save lives.
The video showcases several of these passenger airplanes spraying a red fire retardant all over unaffected areas of Los Angeles. Because the fire is spreading so rapidly, just about any plane that can carry the spray and be flown with enough accuracy is being used. But, it’s still a surprise that an aircraft that would typically be used to take passengers on international flights is helping wildfire victims. However, those more aware of the plane’s past don’t necessarily feel that way. Between 1998 and 2015, the accidents rose from a low general rate to 55 incidents.
Plenty of people in the comments had a lot to say about that particular fact. Some people even poked fun at the plane’s history while also acknowledging that what it is doing now has nothing to do with the plane’s history.
“the flying coffin saving lives was not what I was expecting”
Additional context was provided for those unaware of what those specific commenters were saying.
“the flying coffin saving lives was not what I was expecting”for anyone doubting if they still wanna call this plane “the death machime” lemme remind you that term reffers to being a passenger not an LA citizen”
Fortunately, the plane is being used to protect lives against the ravages of the wildfire, not taking people to their next holiday getaway. It’s good to see so many forces come together to aid in a single issue.
