The U.S. Northern Command has activated two C-130 aircraft equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS), one from the Nevada Air National Guard’s 152nd Airlift Wing based in Reno and another from the 146th Airlift Wing in California.
The aircraft and associated personnel are operating out of Channel Islands Air National Guard Base and are expected to support firefighting missions through mid-August.
The National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group raised the National Wildfire Preparedness Level to 4 out of 5 on July 12, indicating heightened wildfire activity across multiple regions.
As of now, 36 large fires are burning in several western states, with more than 37,000 wildfires having scorched an estimated 2.5 million acres across the country this year.
The Nevada unit, known as the “High Rollers,” was previously activated for firefighting efforts in the greater Los Angeles area earlier this year and during last year’s fire season, from July 18 to August 30. During that time, the unit flew 74 sorties, completed 77 retardant drops, and delivered more than 207,000 gallons of fire retardant.
“The 152nd Airlift Wing, Nevada Air National Guard, is honored to once again answer the call in defense of our fellow Americans,” said Col. Catherine Grush, the Commander of the 152nd Airlift Wing. “Fighting wildfires from the air is demanding and dangerous work, but our Airmen take immense pride in serving alongside our civilian partners to protect homes, communities, and the people of Nevada. This mission hits close to home—and we’re all in.”
MAFFS aircraft are used to support ground-based firefighting operations by dropping up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant in under 10 seconds, covering approximately a quarter-mile.
The retardant slows the spread of wildfires and helps build containment lines.
The MAFFS program is a joint effort between the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Defense. The Forest Service owns the MAFFS equipment and supplies the retardant, while the DoD provides the aircraft, flight crews, and support staff. The equipment is installed in the rear of C-130 H and J model aircraft and disperses retardant through a nozzle on the plane’s left side.
There are four MAFFS units nationwide: the 152nd Airlift Wing in Nevada, the 146th Airlift Wing in California, the Air Force Reserve’s 302nd Airlift Wing in Colorado, and the Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing in Wyoming.
Aircraft are activated through the U.S. Transportation Command by way of Air Mobility Command to support USNORTHCOM.
For more information about the MAFFS program, visit fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/planes/maffs.
