how long for a water-bomber to fill up from a lake?

Answer 1

as little as 10 sec depending on the size of the tank.

Answer 2

Moments, I believe. They drop the receptacle deep and take off with a roar... fantastic. I think all firefighters are terrific, especially in the western U.S. this summer. The pictures/videos were incredible of the helicopters and planes, and many years ago I was also close enough to a large forest fire to hear the old trees explode up on the ridge, to hear the "beast."

This summer I also learned what a smoke-jumper does, and all my hats are off to you folks! It takes a lot of courage to do such an apparently foolish thing... Thanks!