Colorado Reservists, MAFFS C-130s join aerial firefighting efforts

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  • By Public Affairs
  • 302nd Airlift Wing
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Two Air Force Reserve Modular Airborne Firefighting System equipped C-130 Hercules along with two MAFFS certified aircrews and support personnel from the 302nd Airlift Wing have been activated to support the aerial firefighting efforts for the ongoing wildland fires in the Western U.S. The MAFFS certified Reservists are expected to fly fire containment missions based from McClellan Airtanker Base, Calif. and other locations as needed. The two 302nd AW MAFFS-equipped C-130s are expected to depart Peterson AFB, Colo. Monday, Aug. 3, 2015.

Department of defense MAFFS C-130s and crews were activated after the U.S. Forest Service sent a request for assistance to the DoD through U.S. Northern Command Saturday evening. MAFFS aircraft will be postured for drops on numerous significant fire incidents in California and in the Northwestern U.S.

"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," said Col. Scott Sanders, MAFFS Air Expeditionary Group commander. "The MAFFS program is part of an important partnership among DOD, NIFC, CalFire and other contract and military responders."

This is the first MAFFS activation for the 302nd AW in 2015. The August activation is part of the normal duty rotation shared by the three Air National Guard wings and one Air Force Reserve wing that fly the MAFFS mission.

The MAFFS-equipped C-130s are operated by four military airlift wings: The 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard; 146th Airlift Wing, California Air National Guard; 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard; and the 302nd Airlift Wing, U.S. Air Force Reserve Command.

MAFFS is a self-contained aerial firefighting system, owned by the U.S. Forest Service, 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 DOD, 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. These diverse mission assets are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to protect lives, property, critical infrastructure and natural resources, and can include, but are not limited to, MAFFS, military helicopters and ground forces capable of supporting the firefighting efforts.