An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Press Release | Aug. 13, 2014

UPDATE FOR AUG. 13, 2014: DOD continues firefighting efforts in Northwest Great Basin

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Two Department of Defense C-130 aircraft equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems and under the command and control of U.S. Northern Command are assisting with wildfire suppression efforts in the Northwest, Great Basin, and elsewhere in the West at the request of the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.

Since July 20, 2014, DoD aircraft have conducted 131 air drops and discharged more than 244,100 gallons of retardant.

Specific information by fire within the last 24 hours is below:

Arrow, Idaho – Two (2) air drops – App. 3,000 gallons of retardant

Koke, Idaho – Five (5) air drops -- App. 11,500 gallons of retardant

The supporting unit flying the MAFFS mission is the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard located in Cheyenne, WY.

Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard C-130 aircraft assigned to units in California, Colorado, North Carolina and Wyoming are capable of dropping fire retardant using U.S. Forest Service MAFFS units.  Aircrews, maintenance crews and support personnel undergo special NIFC training and certification to perform these missions each year.

U.S. Northern Command, established in the wake of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, is responsible for Homeland Defense and Defense Support of Civil Authorities.