Farmer,
I agree that for those particular fires the Canadairs would not have been able to scoop however they can then be loaded with long term and dump same as any other tanker. Much like how the Fireboss can be used but with a bigger punch. The difference is when the fire does have a suitable source near to it then the other side of the effectiveness would be available.
In Canada in Alberta, NWT, Saskatchewan and British Columbia they use a combination approach of large and small longterm tankers, scoopers, helicopters and ground crews to fight fires. They have the tools available to pick what piece of equipment is most suited. I believe that without having both scoopers and larger tankers we are limiting ourselves needlessly.
While 415 is expensive it could be used as a longterm retardant delivery platform or short term or both in the same mission. However if the cost is too prohibitive maybe a combination of Firebosses and Convair 580's would result in the most "bang for the buck".
Good discussion so far
DW
