in the first embodiment , an aircraft is fitted with a laser system module whose focused laser beam may be directed by its crew controlled beam director to treetop or ground foliage beyond an advancing wildfire in order to set backfires which cause said wildfire to subside when reaching the depleted fuel . unlike conventional backfire dispensing ignited liquid from a low - flying helicopter or by hand , said aircraft can quickly arrive on scene and crew , using its infrared imaging system to see through darkness and smoke , can precisely and rapidly set the backfire line using laser beam ignition from a safe distance without the usual small distance risk to pilot or ground firefighter . said module subsystem design is outlined and is made interchangeable with conventional firefighting and water / chemical spaying modules , insuring said aircraft receives usage beyond the fire season . other embodiments are discussed .