Courtesy photo Two Canadair CL-415 aircraft, better known as “Super Scoopers,” made their way to Delta County Airport Monday evening.

ESCANABA — With predicted weather conditions suitable for wildfires heightening fire danger across the Upper Peninsula, two Canadair CL-415 aircraft — better known as “Super Scoopers” — made their way to Delta County Airport Monday evening.

The Super Scooper is designed and built as a water bomber for aerial firefighting. The amphibious aircraft can scoop up to 1,600 gallons of water from a nearby water source and drop this water off on a fire. Each airplane is managed by two pilots and two mechanics, and there are only four CL-415 in the United States.

Airport Manager T.J. Reid said this stay is the result of strategic positioning by the U.S. Forest Service.

“The U.S. Forest Service positions aircraft … for the best response to the (areas) they think (have) the highest fire hazard,” he said. The length of the Super Scoopers’ stay in Escanaba is unspecified.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, all areas west of a line from the Huron Mountains south to Stephenson are expected to experience extreme fire danger today. Over the next few days, very high fire danger is expected through Saturday (and possibly beyond, depending on the significance of rainfall forecast for Saturday night).

The remainder of the U.P., east of the line, will experience very high fire danger.

During this time of year, most wildfires are caused by humans burning debris. Be sure to check whether burning is permitted in your area by calling 866-922-BURN or by visiting michigan.gov/burnpermit.