Air Guard Tankers Activated for Western Wildfires

C-130’s from three states move to California

 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Air National Guard C-130s from Wyoming, Nevada and Colorado that are equipped to battle wildfires have been activated to fight wildfires in the western U.S.

The three large aircraft will be stationed in Fresno, California.

Currently the activation is scheduled to last one month but can be changed.

Lt. Col. Todd Davis of the 187th Airlift Squadron in Wyoming says the C-130 will fly as low as 150 feet above the ground while on wildfire missions.

The planes can discharge up to 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than 5 seconds and cover 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.

See also  New Strategy Aims to Save Sagebrush in Western States

All contents © copyright 2017 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Topics

C-130’s from three states move to California   CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Air National Guard C-130s from Wyoming, Nevada and Colorado that are equipped to battle wildfires have been activated to fight wildfires in the western U.S. The three large aircraft will be stationed in Fresno, California. Currently the activation is scheduled to last one […]

Get The Wildland Firefighter Newsletter

Related Articles

Lessons Learned from Line-of-Duty Deaths in the Wildland

Lessons Learned from Line-of-Duty Deaths in the Wildland

By THOMAS W. AURNHAMMER After moving from New Mexico to Colorado, I must admit that I had a lot to learn about fighting fire in the wildland. I was used to having resources in my former fire department such as water and somewhat adequate staffing. Providing fire...