This DC-10, as far as I am aware, is the only jet-engined fire bomber around. This was during California's nasty fire season, summer of 2008. From the back porch, mind!
its quite a dramatic montage - but to add to the realism I would have sharpened up the edges of the aircraft and adjusted the colour so it matched/reflected the original background colour a little better.
This is definitely a 'real life' image. Believe me, the evacuation for the Humboldt fire was real enough. I did tweak the overall color with Picasa, but there was no superimposition. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob-8iqeP1mw&feature=related
If you have a talent, use it in every which way possible. Don't hoard it. Don't dole it out like a miser. Spend it lavishly, like a millionaire intent on going broke