Klamath Falls Interagency Fire Center

Modular Airborne Firefighting System

With wildfires burning across the country, two military C-130s equipped with Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems (MAFFS) carry 2,700 gallons of fire retardant. The MAFFS equipment is located in the back of the aircraft and is able to drop the much needed mixture on identified targets using an air pressurized system to slow down hot spots. Along with these two MAFFS aircraft, support aircraft come loaded with personnel and equipment.

These units were positioned in Klamath Falls due to its central location for dispatch across the Great Basin. They are on standby to be activated to lend initial attack support on fires in Oregon, Idaho, northern California and northern Nevada. Two aircraft, from the 145th Airlift Wing of the North Carolina Air National Guard from Charlotte, North Carolina will be available for fire suppression missions beginning today at the Klamath Falls Interagency Fire Center.

Military aviation personnel in both units previously served in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq. Flight crews and personnel participated in annual recertification training recently in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

This unique mission is also performed by the 146th Airlift Wing in Port Hueneme, California, the 153rd Airlift Wing in Cheyenne, Wyoming and an Air Force Reserve Unit, the 302nd Airlift Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.