“The request for additional support shows just how challenging this fire season is and how critical our MAFFS aircraft, aircrews and maintenance personnel are to supporting NIFC [National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho].”-Colonel Jeremy Ford, 152nd Airlift Wing, Nevada Air National Guard
Wyoming ANG photo by Technical Sergeant Jon Alderman.
On 19JUL2021, a Wyoming Air National Guard (ANG) C-130H MAFFS (Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System) was activated, and on 20JUL2021 was sent to battle wildfires in California.
Wyoming ANG photo by Technical Sergeant Jon Alderman.
The C-130H has been upgraded with a new propeller system.
Wyoming ANG photo by Technical Sergeant Jon Alderman.
Wyoming ANG video by Jacqueline Marshall, 19JUL2021:
Wyoming ANG photo by Technical Sergeant Jon Alderman.
Also on 19JUL2021, Colorado ANG activated a MAFFS to fight the fires in California. Music video announcement by Staff Sergeant Laura Fitsmorris:
Earlier in the month, one California ANG C-130 MAFFS, and two Nevada ANG ‘High Rollers’ C-130 MAFFS began fighting fires in California.
CAL FIRE Air Tanker Base, McClellan Park. Nevada ANG photo by Senior Master Sergeant Paula Macomber.
Nevada’s ‘High Rollers’ just had their mission in California extended until August 26th!
MAFFS aircraft are only activated when it becomes clear that the private sector water bombers are overwhelmed, or will soon be, by the volume of wildfires.
NIFC in Boise, Idaho, warns that ‘Scary Fuel’ shortage could ground firefighting aircraft.
U.S. Wildfires 2021: Wyoming governor waves federal pandemic restrictions to ease aviation fuel shortage for water bombers
K-MAX & 10 TANKER, WAITING FOR THE CALL IN SOUTHEAST IDAHO