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Reserve C-130 unit requested to fight wild fires

  • Published
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  The 302nd Airlift Wing here received an official request for aerial firefighting support from the U.S. Forest Service June 11.

Two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130s and aircrews from unit were to be ready to drop fire retardant on fires in southern Colorado June 12.

"We received the request for support at 11:30 last night (June 11)," said Lt. Col. Luke Thompson, 302nd AW chief of aerial firefighting. "We are ready to support containment efforts today if called upon."

Once the unit receives the launch order, its MAFFS-equipped aircraft are expected to fly missions out of Peterson AFB and provide aerial firefighting support to the U.S. Forest Service, as directed by the incident commanders.

The MAFFS equipment is owned by the U.S. Forest Service, one of several federal and state government agencies and organizations with roles and responsibilities in wildland fire suppression that comprise the National Interagency Fire Center based in Boise, Idaho.

MAFFS is a self-contained aerial firefighting system that can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than five seconds, covering an area one-quarter of a mile long by 100 feet wide. Once the load is discharged, it can be refilled in less than 12 minutes.

The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command at Peterson AFB, provides unique military support to firefighting efforts when requested by the National Interagency Fire Center and approved by the secretary of defense. This diverse capability is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to protect lives, property, critical infrastructure and natural resources. In addition to the MAFFS equipment, this support can include military helicopters and ground forces capable of supporting the firefighting efforts.