News>Wildland fire fight presents operational, personal challenges
Photos
A Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS)-equipped C-130 drops retardant on a section of the Waldo Canyon fire near Colorado Springs, Colo. June 26, 2012. Four MAFFS aircraft from the 302nd and 153rd Airlift Wings are supporting civil authorities as they combat the fire, which has burned since June 23. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)
Smoke from the Waldo Canyon fire can be seen at nearby Coronado High School in western Colorado Springs, Colo. Worsening fire conditions prompted National Forest Service officials to re-evaluate the utilization of aerial resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. Rusty Ridley)
MAFFS equipped C-130's from the 153rd Air Expeditionary Group prepare to take off from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. June 26, 2012. Crews made 20 drops delivering 52,000 gallons of retardant in an effort to suppress the Waldo Canyon fire. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Nichole Grady)
by Airman 1st Class Nichole Grady and Ann Skarban
153rd Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
6/27/2012 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- The flightline here roared to life June 26 as the engines of four C-130 Hercules cranked up to begin day two of Modular Airborne Fire Fighting missions in Colorado.
The scene was reminiscent of a NASCAR pit with aircraft landing and refueling quickly before taking flight.
Tuesday began the first full day of MAFFS operations in the fire fighting efforts in the Rocky Mountain area. Crews were faced with not only containing flames, but also enduring the elements. High temperatures in the 90s and fierce winds presented a challenge to the aerial fire fight.
As of 4 p.m., the MAFFS aircraft made 20 drops delivering an estimated 52,000 gallons of retardant in an effort to suppress the Waldo Canyon fire just west of Colorado Springs.
Unlike recent MAFFS activations, MAFFS air and ground crews could see the flames and smoke of the fire from the Peterson Air Force Base flightline.
Describing the MAFFS tanker base at Peterson AFB, the home of his C-130 unit, Maj. Greg Barry, 731st Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and MAFFS mission commander said, "Geographically, it is the best location. From a logistical stand, we have a great back-reach, we have all of the help you could ask for."
At about 4 p.m. MAFFS operations supporting the Waldo Canyon fire were halted as the U.S. Forest Service required an assessment of fire conditions as visibility had decreased due to smoke and high winds.
At the same time, the Waldo Canyon fire took a turn for the worse late in the afternoon, burning beyond containment lines and consuming numerous structures. Mandatory evacuations were expanded to include base housing at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
"We are all very concerned. This is getting very personal and very close to home. It's a whole new ball game and we want to do everything we can. People who are doing the mission are now being affected," said Barry.
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.
In addition to the 153rd and 302nd Airlift Wings, two other Air National Guard units, the 146th AW, Port Hueneme, Calif., and the 145th AW, Charlotte, N.C., possess the ability to assist federal, state and local wildland fire fighting agencies and organizations with MAFFS.
The MAFFS program is a joint effort between the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Defense.
Comments
6/28/2012 3:57:11 PM ET I have the great honor to work with the men and women of the 302d Airlift Wing. I am proud to say I am one of the maintainers on the C-130H3 aircraft we have in this unit. I am unfortunately unable to work alongside my brothers and sisters right now because I am trying to protect my home in Woodland Park CO from the Waldo Canyon Fire. I want to personally thank the outstanding men and women of the 302d AW and the other units that have MAFFS capabilities for joining us in this fight against the Waldo Canyon Fire. I cannot tell you how much your support means to all of us that live in this region.
Robert Butterfield, Woodland Park CO
6/27/2012 6:25:53 PM ET Thank you for all you guys are doing Don't know if that has been said to you guys yet.
Heather, Colorado Springs CO
6/27/2012 3:27:06 PM ET The damage being done by these fires is absolutely amazing and terrible. As a retired USAFR O-5 and an Air Force civilian I am extremely proud and grateful to all the men and women of the MAFFS units...we need them so badly. God be with them and all of us.
