PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Media is invited to attend the Air Force Reserve’s 302d Airlift Wing wildland firefighting equipment demonstration, Friday, 19 April, from 10-11:30 a.m., at Peterson SFB, Colorado.
The event will include a “wet fire” demonstration of the equipment, static aircraft, and experts from the 302 AW and U.S. Northern Command to discuss the roles and capabilities regarding the military’s wildland firefighting mission.
When requested by the National Interagency Fire Center and approved by the Secretary of Defense, the Department of Defense can provide unique wildland firefighting assets. As part of USNORTHCOM ’s assigned Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission, these diverse mission assets are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to minimize human suffering, protect lives, property, critical infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources. Assets can include, but are not limited to, Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) equipped-aircraft, military helicopters, and ground forces capable of supporting the firefighting efforts.
In preparation for the 2024 fire season, the 302 AW will conduct a weeklong aerial wildland firefighting training and certification in California, April 21-27. The certification training, sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, includes classroom sessions, flying and ground operations for Air Force aircrews, civilian lead plane pilots and support personnel from the USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and other state and federal firefighting agencies.
Media representatives desiring to attend should contact the 302d Airlift Wing Public Affairs, (719) 556-4117 by 4 p.m., Thursday, April 18, for registration and further information.
For more information on the web: http://www.nifc.gov | http://www.northcom.mil | https://www.302aw.afrc.af.mil/