AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) – Colorado is sending multi-mission aircraft to assist with large wildfires burning in Oregon and California.
On Saturday the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) sent one of its two Multi-Mission Aircraft to the state of Oregon.
“When Colorado needs help to fight wildfires in our state, we rely on other states to send resources,” State Fire Director Paul Cooke said in a statement. “We were fortunate that Colorado’s wildfire season has been fairly light thus far so we can afford to help out others with their needs.”
Also being sent to California are two Air Force Reserve Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System equipped C-130 Hercules along with two MAFFS certified aircrews and support personnel from Peterson Air Force Base. They will be based at McClellan Airtanker Base and other locations as needed. They are expected to depart on Monday.
“Our MAFFS personnel will provide additional and much needed fire suppression efforts in California. We are looking forward to adding our surge capabilities to the mix,” Col. Scott Sanders, MAFFS Air Expeditionary Group commander, said in a statement. “The MAFFS program is part of an important partnership among DOD, NIFC, CalFire and other contract and military responders.”
MAFFS 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.
Wildfire Resources
– Visit CBSDenver.com’s Living With Wildfire section.
Wildfire Photo Galleries
– See images from the most destructive wildfires (Black Forest, Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.
