PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Two C-130 Hercules, callsigns MAFFS 5 and 8, filled their modular airborne fire fighting system known as MAFFS with fire retardant at the Colorado Springs Airtanker Base Aug 12, 2025.
MAFFS 5, 302d Airlift Wing, Air Force Reserve, and MAFFS 8, 152nd Airlift Wing, Nevada Air National Guard, were launched to provide aerial firefighting support for fires in Colorado at the request of the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
A MAFFS unit can discharge water or fire retardant - 3,000 gallons weighing 27,000 pounds - in less than five seconds. The retardant can cover an area one-quarter of a mile long and 100 feet wide. After the plane discharges its load, it can be refilled in less than 12 minutes back at the tanker base.
When requested by the NIFC 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.
The 302 AW is the only Air Force Reserve unit assigned to this special mission. In addition to the 302nd Airlift Wing, three Air National Guard units support MAFFS: the 146 AW in Channel Islands, Air National Guard Base, California; the 152 AW based in Reno, Nevada; and the 153 AW based at Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The 302 AW’s primary mission is to provide world-class airlift and combat support with approximately 1,400 premier Reserve Airmen who are committed and ready.
For more information on the web: http://www.nifc.gov; http://www.northcom.mil; https://www.302aw.afrc.af.mil/.