Airmen launch third day of California firefighting support Published June 29, 2008 By Senior Airman Stephen Collier 302nd Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The 302nd Air Expeditionary Group launched air tanker missions to support California firefighters June 28 near the Corral fire in the northern part of the state. In their third day of flying operations, aircrews continued to battle the Corral fire located in both Modoc and Lassen counties. The area, about 180 miles north of Sacramento, is reported to have a 4,900-acre fire that is only five percent contained. More than 42,000 people live in both Modoc and Lassen counties. The aircraft, each a C-130 Hercules, carry the modular airborne firefighting system, known as 'MAFFS,' are capable of dropping up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant per mission. The 302nd AEG has six C-130s under its command, and will launch as many as California officials require. Fire information is current as of 5:30 p.m., June 28. Aircrews have dropped an approximate total of 93,000 gallons of fire retardant since airborne missions began June 26. Members of the 302nd AEG first deployed to Chico Municipal Airport for initial MAFFS operations, but later moved south to McClellan Airfield in Sacramento, Calif. The relocation allows military transport aircraft to fly with maximum fuel loads, and MAFFS to operate with full fire retardant capability. The aircraft, assigned to the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group, deployed here in support of California firefighters and the National Interagency Fire Center to battle wildfires raging throughout the state.