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AIR TANKERS PHOTO DESCRIPTION PAGEAirTankersAirtanker 1: Close air support near Gardnerville, NV. Airtanker 2: Close-up at the Chester Tanker Base on the Lassen NF. Airtanker 3: Details unknown. C130A: Snagged this from an aircraft web site. It's for sale. Guest 8: The tanker is on the Buck Fire in 9-98. Courtesy of Terry N. Guest 10: A photo of the Martin-Mars water dropper from Canada, dropping on the Jordan Ck fire near Marblemont Washington, Aug, 1998. 7,400 gallons of water with each drop, if foam is added then it can cover 4 acres of ground with 4 inches of foam in one drop. Noname. G 19-21: A Thrush 600 SEAT under contract with the State of South Dakota. Max capacity 400 gals, normal load is 300-350 gals. Sender Unknown. Slurry 1: Shot of an C-130 making a drop on the Harris Canyon fire east of Ogden, Utah in August 1999. Photo credit to Steve Rutter, Wasatch District Fire Warden. B17: Taken outside of Carefree, Arizona in July, 1979. We were doing an inital attack while it was 117 degrees, which was less than fun. Photo credit to Tim Foley. P2V AT: Taken at the BLM helibase at Grand Junction when I was on light duty because of pneumonia and assigned as helibase manager in 1996. Photo credit: Tim Foley. PBY 1 & 2: Both of these were taken in Alaska in 1981, and show a PBY Catalina working a fire in support of the Kenai Hotshots. Photo Credit: Tim Foley. PBY-3: PBY dropping on the Lyle Fire, summer of 99 near Goldendale WA. Photo credit to WP. S2 Drop: S2 making a drop on a local fire...around 81-82 I believe. Photo credit Jim. G. T14 Drop: DC-4, T-14 dropping some mud north of San Bernardino this past summer. Pilot -- Marc Osman. Photo taken by Angie. SEAT: SEAT Air Tractor 802 dropping in brush on a fire in North Central Texas. "Boo". AirTankers 2AirTanker: Air tanker leaving Hemet-Ryan Air Attack Base on the Riverside Ranger Unit. Courtesy of Engineer Emmett. Wolfskill: Tanker 71 out of Ryan Air Attack Base in Hemet, reloading for the Wolfskill Fire in the Summer of 97. Courtesy of Firefighter Ben. Gibble Fire: Tanker 00 making a drop on the Gibble Fire in Hemet CA. in the Riverside R.U. Courtesy of Ben. HFire: Photo taken by of DeeAnn. Martin Mars 1-3: Martin Mars dropping on a fire in CA. Complements of Jim W. Martin Mars 4 This pic of the Martin-Mars is just to give you some perspective of how big that thing is. I was privileged to fly up to Sprout Lake where it is based, a few years ago and take a tour. Climbed out on the wing. Courtesy of WP. Command Fire Bomber 1, 2 & 3: 24 Command Fire from end of June, 2000. We had as many as 9 AT in sky with Air Boss and 2 leads I think. It was a busy 4 days. Amazing fire behavior, some saying nothing like it before in fire growth. 20 miles in 90 minutes, it was off the chart of App B in FLHB. I figured 1000+ chains per hour, 1173 feet per minute. Photos from: DC Zimm, Captain with the Hanford Fire Department which is operated by DynCorp Tri-Cities Services, Inc. for the U.S. Department of Energy, Richland Operations Office. Superscooper: A CL-415 Superscooper from CL-415 Captain Al Hymers, Ontario, Canada. Golden Tanker: I took the tanker pic Aug 2, 00 while on the Golden Complex in Coleville CA. MC. FL AT 1-3: These three photos were taken on Red Grange Fire, Polk County Florida, April 2001. Photos by CPW. Scooper: CIIMT 4 in Canada, being shown the Scooper, 1998. Photo by Marie. Moccasin Mt: Tanker 25 is a P-3 on the Moccasin Mt fire, Piute Indian Reservation, Northern Arizona. July 2000. Photos taken by Earl L, UT Fireguy. Pine Hollow: Tanker 151 is a DC-4 at the Pine Hollow fire, Grand Staircase National Monument, Southern Utah, 2000. Photos taken by Earl L, UT Fireguy. Cable Mt: Tanker 130 is a C-130 on the Cable Mountain fire, Zion National Park Southern Utah, 2000. Photos taken by Earl L, UT Fireguy. AirTankers 3Pine Fire: Pine fire on the Modoc NF, 1999. Tanker 25 making an intentional low drop to avoid a nearby creek. All personnel had been notified and a dry run was made first. Photo compliments of rfc. SD Seat: This is a pix of a OAS-contract SEAT making a drop at a recent fire dept training in South Dakota. That hydraulic gate makes all the difference in the world in delivering an effective pattern with a smaller plane. Photo compliments of Jim "Hurricane". IL-76 1 & 2: The IL-76 is a huge Russian air tanker that is used elsewhere in the world, but not in the US. For more info and photos go to waterbomber.com. Photos sent in by Jose. Neptune: I have attached a photo of Neptune Aviations P2V aircraft T-10 in this years ('01) paint scheme that I took at the Albuquerque Air Tanker Base in May. Photo taken by CMH. KC-97: I took this air tanker photo last week at the Hawkins & Powers facility at the Greybull, WY airport. I don't know what kind of airplane it is, but I bet someone reading They Said does. Hawkins & Powers has an amazing number of old aircraft sitting around at Greybull, including a lot of C-119's. They still use one C-119 for hauling equipment; but as you may know, the tails used to have an annoying habit of falling off during flight over a fire. Theysaid readers subsequently identified the plane as a KC-97. Some more info from readers: First poster - H & P has one on contract in Alaska. It will hold 3500 gallons and has a lot of doors (16?). It operates in the lower 48 occasionally. Second poster - This is a C-97 "Strato-Freighter" built by Boeing. They were later converted into an air to air refueling tanker and called the KC-97. Photo taken by Bill G. C-119-J: This is a C-119-J airtanker located at McCall. Photo taken by JE. A-26: This is a is an A-26 located at London, KY. Photo taken by JE. PB4Y2: This is a is a PB4Y2 located at McCall. Photo taken by JE. Johnson Creek 1-3: On August 11, 2001, there was a wind driven fire event on the Johnson Creek Fire of the Lakeview Complex (OR) that threatened the home and outbuildings on the J-Spear Ranch. These photos that shows an air retardant drop in support of structure protection were taken by Mike Matarrese, Branch Director of Stutler's PNW Team 3 and other members. PB4Ys: These two PB4Ys are at Grand Junction AZ. Photo taken by Jim. LA County: Taken Oct 12, 2001 LA County near Santa Clarita.
This brush fire grew to 3000+ acres (so far), roaring up rugged canyons during a Santa
Anna wind event. Many homes were evacuated. Photo sent in by DV. C-130 & DC-7: Ab sez, these two air tanker photos were sent in from Germany by Michael Popp. We hope he writes in with more info on where and when these were taken. The mystery was solved when we received this from Barbara at NIFC: Just for the record -- the two photos in Air Tanker 3 photo page labeled Germany 1 and Germany 2 are photos taken by BLM staff photographers. AirTanker 67 is an old photo of a civilian C-130; the DC-7 photo is also many years old. We have the originals here at NIFC. Thanks, Barbara, Ab has relabeled these C-130 & DC-7. Walton Fire 1 & 2: Here's a couple photos of interest from the Walton Fire on the Powell RD on the Clearwater NF in Idaho in late August 2001. Photos contributed by SM. Virginia Lake Fire: AT on the Virginia Lake Fire in Washington, summer 2001. Photo taken by Mike Patti, Deputy State Fire Marshall. Air Tanker 130: Cross roads fire, May 1999, Coronado National Forest, near Sonoita, AZ. Tanker 130 from Libby Tanker Base. According to the pilot of Tanker 130, this aircraft was the first C130 air tanker converted. Photo taken by USFS FEO. This plane went down on 06/17/02 while fighting the Cannon Fire near Walker CA. For more info. see the first description on AirTanker 4 below. AirTankers 4T-130 Lost: T-130 crashed on the Cannon Fire on the Humboldt Toiyabee National Forest near Walker CA on 6/17/02. Steve Wass, Craig LaBare, and Mike Davis died. We will miss them. The NTSB had not come up with a finalized report by 02/03, but went public with a preliminary probable cause of metal fatigue in the central wing box lower skin. The report said that the T6 metal planks are brittle, having small fractures like those that develop when a paperclip is bent back an forth. Age and/or use is hypothesized as creating them. The C-130s (and the PB4Ys) have been permanently grounded. KOLO-TV, a Reno NV television station captured the crash on videotape. This photo is courtesy of FOX News. Contact them for a larger version of the picture. See links below for investigation information. In Memory of T-130: On June 17, 2002 air tanker T-130 crashed while working on the Cannon fire in Walker CA. (Hawkins and Powers C-130 Herc, #130). Captain Steve Wass, right seat Craig LaBare, and engineer Mike Davis lost their lives fighting the fire. Our hearts and prayers go out to their families and friends. These were wonderful men, and we will all miss them. Contributions to the Association of Airtanker Pilots fund can help their families. Associated Airtanker Pilots, Memorial Fund, Newhart Bookkeeping, 711 D, Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg, CA 95448, 707-433-4866. The NTSB is investigating this C130 accident.
T130 Memorial -Minden: Minden, NV at the Heritage Park off of HWY 395. For more info see the Wildland Firefighters Memorials Sites page. Photo contributed by LLB. T130 Memorial -Walker: Walker, CA, right off of HWY 395 near the crash site. For more info see the Wildland Firefighters Memorials Sites page. Photo contributed by LLB. PBY: Coming at you! Location was NE WA, the Klondike Fire near Republic. It's called shoot and run! Still got wet if I remember correctly. Photographer: J. Foster, Highlands 26. Chelan AT: A different kind of AirTanker photo, taken at a fire Chelan Dist, Wenatchee NF, summer of 2000. Photo sent in by DF. Burns AT 1 & 2: Ab here are two AirTanker photos, Tanker 62, I think. Also Summer of 2000. Photo sent in by DF. Firecat 21: Fire Cat drop. Sent in by Micha Popp from Germany. ARDCO & 121: Found these I took in Yellowstone. Two air tankers were at staged at West Yellowstone and Helo was assigned to Park Helitack while I was there. ARDCO may look familiar I think they came out of Northern California... Hickman. Hercules 78: C-130 drop 2. Sent in by Micha Popp from Germany. Likely that these are BLM photographs and the originals are at NIFC. Ab. P3 Drop 1 and P3 Drop 2: P3 Retardant drop 1 & 2. Canada C1215T: Fighting fire in Spain with a Canadian Super Scooper. Sent in by Juan Carlos Gómez Vidal. Winters Flat Fire: From the Winters Flat Fire GJD BLM in May 2000. Compliments of CS. Blade, Neptunes: Here are several "slurry" fighter/bomber bomber aircraft taken at Jeffco Airport Broomfield, CO on 6/21/02. You can put these on your website if you want. Very nice website by the way! These photos go out to the proud men and women who risk it all to save life. God bless all! Photos compliments of Scott Bello. AirTankers 5PB4Y2 T123: T123 was an ait tanker that broke up and was lost July 18, 2002 when flying on the Big Elk Fire on the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest near Estes Park, Colorado. This photo was taken by Scott Bello at Jeffco Airport Broomfield, CO on 6/21/02. T-123 Lost: A very small version of the graphic photo that appeared on
the evening news on 7/18/02. Rick Schwartz and Milt Stollak died in the crash.
The NTSB determined that T-123's wing failure resulted from fatigue cracks in
the left wing forward spar, lower spar cap assembly, ie, its wing-to-fuselage attachment point along the lower left spar
cap. This is an area not usually inspected. Fatigue and/or flying too many
cycles is thought to be the cause. The PB4Ys (and C-130s) have been permanently
grounded. This photo was sent in by BS who does not own the copyright, hence
we're only posting the very small version. If anyone knows the media contact for
the larger version, please let us know so we know where to direct inquiries. PB4Y2 T121, Maintenance 1 & 2, T-27, and Spotter: Here are several more "slurry" fighter/bomber aircraft and a spotter plane taken at Jeffco Airport Broomfield, CO on 6/21/02. The PB4Y2 is a World War II vintage aircraft that carries a 2000 gallon payload of retardant and is operated by Hawkins & Powers, Greybull, WY. For more ATs from Jeffco, see the AT 4 photo page. Photos compliments of Scott Bello. Eau 215: Bonjour, that was in Athens 2000. My English is not too good because I am French Canadian, Quebec part. Photo taken by Pierre Hamel. Ovr Wing: Also Athens 2000. Photo taken by Pierre Hamel from Quebec. Colorado AT: COMT says "This was sent to me from Bill Jannisch. I think the air tanker drop was taken in CO, June, 2002." Note: One viewer thinks this photo was taken on the Iron Mountain Fire, in Colorado around the same time by Helen Richardson of the Denver Post. At Minden, T-14, T-14 Again, Minden Fire Base, PB4Y T-126 and T-126 Again: Topaz Lake Fire Minden Fire Base, Nevada. Photos compliments of Bob Kausen. Ab has to say that the T-14 photo label has made for some lively communication behind the board with some in the AT community. It originally came in as a DC6 and then a reader from the UK said it was a DC4. Ab changed it. Then we got this message from Natalie: Your picture of T-14 is labeled as a DC-4 , when in fact it is an Aerounion P-3. More laughing back-and-forth e-mails... Natalie replied: Yeah...We're laughin', too! I guarantee you it's a P-3, you can tell by the fact that it's a 4-engine type 1 air tanker and it sports the Aerounion paint job. If ya want to be sure check out www.aerounion.com. Good luck with your labeling :-) Natalie More, will it ever end?: From John Gillingham, "I'm absolutely sure that T-14 is not a P-3, and quite sure that it is a DC-4. The color scheme is irrelevant - the important points are the four radial engines, single nosewheel, v-shaped windscreen, rounded nose (a DC-6 has a more pointed nose, although it is otherwise very similar) and that distinctive tail." And finally from the AT message board (11/16/03) , from Jeff who said, "T-14 is a DC-4. I had the pleasure to tour it many times when it was based out of San Bernardino. In fact, a few seasons ago, I worked for 14's copilot, so I am 100 percent positive that it's a 4. Does look great with the new paint job, though. That's it." Also from the AT message board, from Airtankerdude: Tanker 14 started life with the USAAF in 1945 as a C-54E. It was transferred to the Navy in April of 1945 as an R5D-4R. It was redesignated in 1962 as a C-54R, still in the Navy. It went to the Boneyard at Davis-Monthan AFB and was purchased by Aero Union in 1975. It has been a Tanker for over 28 years. It was never a DC-4. The Forest Service classes T14 as a Class II tanker. Hope this puts things in the proper perspective. Just to add to the debate: The aircraft is a DC-4/C-54 as shown by the following; 4 x piston engines eg round engines the P-3 has 4 allison turboprops. Compare it with T-27 just above to the left which is a P-3. Fantastic site. I'm a volunteer firefighter in South Australia and aviation junkie. Don Ab note: Apparently planes that are alike can have different designations depending on where they go when coming off the production line, ie, if they're sold to the military or sold for commercial use. Thus, as I understand it, the Military C-54E and the R5D-4R are almost the same plane as the Commercial DC-10. And T-14 is essentially a DC-10 although perhaps not "technically" since it began its life as a military plane. Someone on the AT board suggested the pilots are type rated for a DC-10. T-14 New Paint: I was at Stead today and shot this nice one of T-14. Photo taken by Clark Cook. T-123 and T-123 Airborne: Here are two 123 shots I took while filming Bullock 2002 and 1998 Florida fires. Photo Copyright David Hartman of Sky Legends Video. propliners@hotmail.com T-123 Memorial Photos: I found these pictures of PB4Y-2T-123 and thought you would like to add them to your other photos of Air Tankers and list them as In Memory of PB4Y-2T-123 as you did with the C-130A T-130. Jerry, an Air Tanker Buff. AirTankers 6T-126 at Minden, PB4Y T-126: Topaz Lake Fire Minden Fire Base, Nevada. Photos compliments of Bob Kausen. PBY 1 through 5: These photos are from Marcia Shorter, a recreational boater on Roosevelt Lake who was in the right place at the right time. PBY is a belly-scoop air tanker on contract with the Washington State DNR. J.Foster, Highlands 26. Neptune P2V: Neptune Aviation T-10 at Kalispell, MT. Photo compliments of Craig Happ. by Leo Jarzomb: This photo, entitled "Retardant Drop", of T-16 was taken during the Curve Fire (on the Angeles National Forest, 9/1-10/7/02; 20,857 acres) by Leo Jarzomb, San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group who undoubtedly holds the copyright. You must contact him before using this photo for training or otherwise. (leo.jarzomb@sgvn.com, 800-788-7578 ext 2121 or SVG News Group, 1210 Azusa Canyon Rd, West Covina CA 91790). We are linked to the photo that is posted on the CDF website by one of the CDFers on the fire. Ab. Mike Lynn, the AirTanker Lead Plane pilot for Tanker 16 had this to say: "It was a very safe drop and it was also an effective drop. The retardant you see coming out didn't hit the ground for another 200 feet past the hair pin curve that the fire fighters were on. You have to see the whole picture of the area to understand the true story. There was very steep terrain involved here. After the tanker passed this area, the terrain drops off very steep. The photo just doesn't give justice to the distance from the edge of the cliff and the terrain that we were working. I was the lead on the drop. It was safe and effective. Other wise it wouldn't have been done. Mike..." Contributed by NV Dispatcher. Fish Lake Dive & Fish Lake Drop: AirTanker dropping on the Fish Lake Fire. Photos by J Foster Highlands 26. Ramona Practice: This photo is from my Dad in So. Cal. It's a Test drop at Ramona Airport! Photo compliments of Jerry S. Wolf AT: The Wolf Fire burned in June 2002. It was located 10 mi north of Ojai CA. Photo compliments of LB and the guys on the LP National Forest. Cottonwood: T-458 dropping on the Cottonwood...Idaho..2002. Photo compliments of William Harrison. Iron Mountain: This photo of the Iron Mountain Fire 2002 was taken from the reload base, Pueblo, Co. Photo compliments of William Harrison. SEAT: T-458...SEAT 3 on the Cottonwood...2002. Photo compliments of William Harrison. T-22 Drop: Photo taken by Ben Croft / U.S.F.S.- M.T.D.C. Martin Mars Fillup: Martin Mars filling up from Lake Isabella, 2000, King Soloman Fire IIRC. Photo compliments of FedFire. For other photos of Martin Mars, see the Airtankers 2 photo page. Martin Mars Bomber: The Martin Mars is a Type 1 tanker, carries 7200 gallons, flies at 165 mph and has 26 doors. Photo compliments of CL-415 Captain Al Hymers, Ontario, Canada. Superscooper 1: The The Canadair 415 is also known as the Superscooper. See Air Tankers 7 photo descriptions below for detailed information. Photos compliments of CL-415 Captain Al Hymers, Ontario, Canada. AirTankers 7Superscooper 2: The The Canadair 415 is also known as the Superscooper. Made by Bombardier (Canada) this amphibious aircraft first flew in 1993. The water tanks can be filled on the ground or in flight while skimming over the water surface via two hydraulically operated scoops. For a photo of a Superscooper releasing its load, check the Airtankers 2 photo page. (Note: the Superscooper has 2 engines and carries 1,621 gallons while the Martin Mars pictured on the Airtankers 6 page has 4, is substantially larger and carries more payload.) Photos compliments of CL-415 Captain Al Hymers, Ontario, Canada. Yerington NV Drop: Photo compliments of David V.
Pines Fire AT: CDF Tanker 72, taken during the Pines Fire Julian Ca, Aug 2002. Photo compliments of DP. Leroux: Here's one from the Leroux fire near Flagstaff, Arizona in June 2001. Photo compliments of Bum Pup. Ortega Fire '89: I took this on the Ortega Fire in 1989 while unloading the D-8K for the USFS on US 79 West, above Elsinore CA. Photo compliments of Linker. DC-3:Taken March 26th, 2003 at Jeffco Airport (KBJC). From what the guys working on it told me , it was here for some repair to the prop governor. You may also notice some snow in the far off distance at the bottom left hand corner of the picture. That was snow from the March Blizzard of '03 that hit Denver from March 17th - 21st. Photo compliments of Rob Willson. Tanker 22 (P-3): Taken on April 27th, 2002 at Jeffco Airport (KBJC). While normally this aircraft would be parked at the Forest Service's Jeffco Air Tanker Base, it was on this day parked on the Airport's terminal ramp. The tanker crews occasionally park them there if the aircraft needs minor maintenance or as overflow parking when the Forest Service ramp is full. That is the main Terminal building behind the aircraft and the Air Traffic Control tower beyond that. Photo compliments of Rob Willson. Tanker 126 (PB4Y-4): Was also taken on April 27th, 2002 at Jeffco Airport (KBJC). This aircraft was parked on the Forest Service's Jeffco Air Tanker Base ramp area. Behind the aircraft is the Flatirons (the bare rock formations jutting out of the mountain) which are located just above Boulder, CO. Photo compliments of Rob Willson. Encebado Fire AT: Some very slick air show work going on over the Encebado Fire right now…7/9/03. Photo compliments of Nerd on the Fireline. Harkness AT: Picture from Harkness Fire, south of Mccammon ID, 7/21/2003 4,500 acres. Lost two houses but saved many more. Photo compliments of SG. For several more fine Harkenss interface wildfire photos see Fire 17. Lead Plane & AT: This picture is a lead plane and tanker from the East Table Fire on the Bridger-Teton NF in July 13, 2003. The planes came in low, real low, could almost see the whites on the pilot's eyes. Photo compliments of Radar. Ardco T-151: Took this photo at Fox Field ATB, Lancaster CA. Photo compliments of Craig M. Happ. CDF T-73: CDF S-2T T-73 at Fox Field ATB, Lancaster CA. Photo compliments of Craig M. Happ. Neptune at Fox: Neptune Aviation T-11 at Fox Field ATB, Lancaster CA. Photo compliments of Craig M. Happ. Hemet Tower: Here is a shot of the tower at Hemet ATB, CA. 17 Aug 2003. Tower is designated as a National Historic Site and will stay at Hemet when the ATB ops moves to March ARB in another couple of years. Photo compliments of Craig M. Happ. OV-10: OV-10 based at Ramona ATB, CA. Photo taken on 17 Aug 2003. Photo compliments of Craig M. Happ. T-11: Neptune Aviation T-11 on alert at San Bernardino Air Tanker Base, CA. T-11 has been mobile this season, spending time at SBD and at Fox Field in Lancaster. Photo compliments of Craig M. Happ. Canada AT & Canada AT 2: Osoyoos Fire, British Columbia, Canada. Here are some shots of some suppression action a few weeks ago (mid-August, 2003) on a fire just north of our common border. Photo compliments of Ian Smith. AirTankers 8Canada Martin Mars: Osoyoos Fire, Canada. Another shot of some suppression action in mid-August, 2003 on a fire just north of our common border. Photo compliments of Ian Smith. Turtle Mt: These pictures were taken by a truckdriver for Litehouse Salad Dressing from Sandpoint Idaho Fire at the Crowsnest Pass - Alberta, Canada. Right by Hwy 3 where we drive thru to Lethbridge & Calgary. Sammi Clarification? Water Bomber 1-3: See above. Photos compliments of a ?truck driver? and Sammi. Sammi, we need some clarification on these. Thanks, Ab. T-22 Refuel, McCall & T-23 Refuel, McCall: Photos compliments of Fire Momma. AT802 Fireboss, Fireboss in Spain & CL215: Here's picture of beautiful Air Tanker AT802 Fireboss. There's one Fireboss - Tanker 82 - working in Revelstoke, BC (CYRV) this season ('03). Reports are "it's doing a hell of a good job in the mountains." There's another working a lot in Spain. It's a "very good tool". Photo compliments of Jorge Gómez. T-71: CDF S-2T T-71 at its home base of Ramona Air Tanker Base, CA in August 2003. Photo compliments of Craig M. Happ. T-151: Ardco T-151 waiting for a mission at Fox Field Air Tanker Base, Lancaster CA Red Point Fire ATs, 1, 2, & 3: Here are some photos of Air tankers on the Red Point Fire in South Dakota, July 2003. Photos compliments of JB. More on Fire 18 and 19 and Helicopters 12. T-25 at Minden: On September 2, 2003. It's sitting there waiting for a call. You'll notice the covers on the windows. Photo compliments of Ron Santi. T-20 & Crop Drop: These photos were taken on a fire just east of Red Bluff on Highway 36. The fire went to around 35 acres. Tanker 20 is dropping on spot fires that were inaccessible. Here is a side view of tanker 20. His base is Redding Tanker Base at Redding Airport. Photos by Andrew H. T-65 at Minden and T-65: T-65 is a DC-4. Photos taken on 8/16/03 by Ron Santi. AirTankers 9Command AT: Taken on the 24 Command Fire from end of June, 2000. We had as many as 9 AT in sky with Air Boss and 2 leads I think. It was a busy 4 days. Amazing fire behavior, some saying nothing like it before in fire growth. 20 miles in 90 minutes, it was off the chart of App B in FLHB. I figured 1000+ chains per hour, 1173 feet per minute. Photos from: DC Zimm, Captain with the Hanford Fire Department which is operated by DynCorp Tri-Cities Services, Inc. for the U.S. Department of Energy, Richland Operations Office. Ab got this with other photos from Zimm displayed on the Airtankers 2 photo page, but just learned how to enhance the dark original. Burns AT Approach & Burns AT Away: Taken on a fire near Burns OR in summer 2000. Photos compliments of DF. T-139 at Minden: T-139 is a P2V. Photos taken on 8/16/03 by Ron Santi. Hash Rock AT Drop: Photo sent in by DF. T-25: Waiting to take off at Minden. 9-22-03. The photographer is Ron Santi. T-09: Neptune Aviation T-09 at San Bernardino Air Tanker Base. Sept 2003. The photographer is Craig M. Happ. T-07 and T-07 Reloading: Neptune Aviation T-07 reloading for another sortie at San Bernardino ATB, Sept 2003. The photographer is Craig M. Happ. T-72 and T-72 Idling at Pit: CDF T-72 idling while reloading at the pit, San Bernardino ATB, CA T-152: T-152 and T-162 at end of a busy day. San Bernardino Air Tanker Base, CA. Sept 2003. The photographer is Craig M. Happ. T-16: Aero Union T-16 reloading at San Bernardino ATB, CA , Sept 2003. The photographer is Craig M. Happ. T-151: Ardco T-151 cranking up at Fox ATB to depart for Cedar City ATB, 28 Sept 2003. Photo compliments of Craig M. Happ. T-66: T66 came into Minden today Sept 27th, 2003 for a load. Photo compliments of Ron Santi. T-55: Minden Air T-55 on duty at San Bernardino ATB, 27 Sept 2003. Photo compliments of Craig M. Happ. T-99: Minden Air T-99 on alert at San Bernardino ATB, CA 27 Sept 2003. Photo compliments of Craig M. Happ. T-99 on Ashfire: I am so sorry to hear about T-99 crashing and the loss of life. This photo appeared in the online edition of the Sierra Vista Herald and I liked it so much that I saved it all summer...T-99 flying over the Ash Fire (Huachuca Mts., AZ). The tanker successfully protected the shrine of Our Lady of the Sierras and several homes on the hillside. Photo sent in by Lorena. CDF at Ramona & Ramona Drop: These photos were automatically taken by a motion detection camera at Ramona. Photos sent in by Hans-Werner Braun. More can be viewed at http://hpwren.ucsd.edu. T-20 on Olinda: Tanker 20 dropping on the Olinda Fire. Photo by Andrew H. AirTankers 10T-20 on Olinda Head: Tanker 20 dropping on the head of the Olinda Fire. The fire had about a 20mph north wind on it, and a rapid rate of spread. Photo by Andrew H. Portugal AT 1 & 2: Photos compliments of Antonio José Pina. Visit his fire department at www.bombeirosdealhandra.com.pt Electra: The Electra picture is from 1998. It was actually a BC aircraft that came over to help on a north-western Alberta wildfire when one of our own airtankers went unserviceable. What a day, one of my first wildfires and I was in a perfect position to watch both some aggressive fire behaviour and a good airshow. Photo compliments of Grant Foster, Forest Officer, Forest Protection Division, Woodlands Wildfire Management Area. That's Alberta, Canada. Withington: AT on the Withington Fire. Photos contributed by Jill A. T-22 at West Yellowstone Jumper Base: Column of Rathbone Fire, Gallatin NF in the background. Photo compliments of Todd Meeker. T-119 Dropping on Lime: T-119 dropping on Lime Fire 8/16/03, Payette NF. Photo compliments of Brian Arvish. T-44 at Cedar City: T-44 at Cedar City Interagency Air Center. Photo compliments of Brian Arvish. T-10 at Missoula: Neptune T-10 at Missoula Aerial Fire Depot. Photo compliments of Brian Arvish. T-119 Dropping on Lime: T-119 dropping on Lime Fire 8/16/03, Payette NF. Photo compliments of Brian Arvish. T-26 at McCall: T-26 at McCall Tanker Base. Photo compliments of Brian Arvish. Minden Memorial Drop pictures: These are pictures of T48 dropping today (4/2/04) in memory of the Tanker 99 crew, Carl Dohlbeare and John Attardo, at Minden ATB. Pictures by my wonderful and resourceful uncle Joe Wizner (a retired aircraft mechanic) of Gardnerville NV. Thanks so much to Minden Air and Gordo for doing this!!!! NMAirBear. Guys Behind the Scenes: The other end of the equation. Photo taken at the Ramon Air Tanker Base during the Pines Fire. Photo compliments of Al Clarkson. Pike Bay Tandem: This was taken in April or May 2002. Tandem CL 215s operation dipping into Pike Bay near Cass Lake MN. The photo was taken by Monte Draper of the Bemidji Pioneer who gave his permission to post it. Photo sent in by Keven. S.E.A.T. 468: S.E.A.T. 468 After refilling in St.George, UT. 8/02. Photo compliments of Brian Arvish. [photo space] Air Attack: 9 Alpha Bravo - Air-Attack Mc Call, Idaho. Photo compliments of Brian Arvish. AirTankers 11T-23 Two Views: T-23, Cedar City. Photos compliments of Brian Arvish. T-130: Air Tanker 130 Cedar City (Ab. F.Y.I., photo taken 2 weeks before mishap.) T-130 was dispatched from Cedar City to Cannon Fire. Photo compliments of Brian Arvish. Wolf Creek AT: This is from the Wolf Creek Fire in Alaska, NE of Fairbanks. July 18, 2004. Dropping a retardant line prior to a large burnout ops. Burnout was a success. Photo compliments of Jim, New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Supertanker: Passed along to me by a crop duster buddy. Photo sent in by MTMOG. Last Large ATs? No: These photos were taken just before the FS cancelled the 33 large air tankers on May 10, 2004. There was some speculation at the time that they might be the last large air tankers to fly under a federal contract. Photos sent in by AT Dispatcher. 262: Photo sent in by Firepup91 who says, "I don't know where this pic comes from or who took it, somehow I got it, and hopefully, someone can step up and claim it..." One viewer wrote in that it's a Bombardier CL-215. T-262 -- a CWN from Aero-Flite Inc in AZ. It was in CA last fall ('03). If anyone knows the photographer, please let us know so we can give credit. Ab. Early Fire AT: The Early Fire located 16 miles east of Groveland, CA (STF) began on 8/9/04. It was one of the first fires to be described on the new Hot List page. Photo compliments of BN. Elk Heights AT & Elk Heights "Red": Air Tankers dropping on the Elk Heights Fire, near Thorp, Washington, 7/31/04. Photos compliments of Zimm. Main Street of Chicken AK (with plane): The Chicken Fire was named after this town and readers wanted to know what the town looked like. Photo compliments of the Original RR, a BLM fire guy. T26 after Waterfall Fire: Tanker 26 at Minden with a day off after working the Waterfall Fire (NV). Photo compliments of Ron S. Tanker 48 for Andrew, T22, T23 Landing Minden, T25 for Andrew Fire, T89, T100: T-48 ready at Minden (NV) for the Andrew Fire. Tanker 22 waiting for a load at Minden for Andrew. Tanker 23 landing at Minden for Andrew. Tanker 25 coming into Minden for load for the Andrew Fire. CDF Tanker 89 helping on the Andrew Fire coming into Minden. CDF Tanker 100 helping out on Andrew. Photos compliments of Ron S. AirTankers 12Lots of ATs Ready: At Minden for the Andrew Fire, 08/26/04. Tanker 21, 22, 23, 25
all on hold second day of Andrew Fire CDF Fire: A pic of AA430 at the Fresno Air Attack Base on 7/21/04. Photo compliments of Captain Emmett. T21 on Wildcat Fire: T-21 dropping on Wildcat Fire in the Jarbidge NV 8/6-8/12/04. Photo compliments of Ryan H. T462 on Silver Bow Fire: T-462 dropping water on the Silver Bow Fire near TPH (25 mi E of Tonopah NV) 7/20-7/23/04. Photo compliments of Ryan H. AT on railroad fire: T89 out of Grass Valley California Late June '04, i believe, could have been early july. The fire was a small fire one of several started by a east bound Union Pacific freight train in Auburn, California. Photo compliments of Dave. Skyship: This heavy air tanker is lining up a final for structure protection drop on the Eagle Rock Fire, WA DNR Highlands District. Smoke from the fire is curling in on both north and south edges of photo. Photo compliments of J. Foster Fanning, Highlands 26. Elk Heights AT 27 & Elk Heights Fire Red: Slurry drop at Elk Heights fire in Eastern Washington to support structure protection by Kitsap Interagency Wildland Team engines under state mobilization and WA-DNR hand crews. Photos compliments of Edward A. Wright. CDF AT on Bear: This is Tanker 94 dropping on the Bear Fire. He is trying to protect houses at the top of the hill, as spot fires pop up in the town of Jones Valley. Photo by Andrew H. CDF T-91 on French: This is a picture of Tanker 91 trying to hold the left flank, and prevent the fire from jumping Highway 299 west. Because of the rough terrain and lack of ground forces, airtankers were all but useless. The town was down in a canyon and smoke made it impossible for airtankers to be used for structure protection. Photo by Andrew H. FireBoss at Base in Spain & Working: Here are a couple of Fireboss pictures from Spain. First is a picture of the two Firebosses at the base and the second is "working hard". Photos compliments of Jorge Gómez. CDF T-71 Side and T-71 Again: Photos compliments of Craig Happ. T-27 on Left Hand Fire: From the Left Hand fire in Boulder Co. September of 2004. Photos compliments of vt-cowboy. Neptune 1 & 2: Here are several "slurry" fighter/bomber bomber aircraft taken at Jeffco Airport Broomfield, CO on 6/21/02. You can put these on your website if you want. Very nice website by the way! These photos go out to the proud men and women who risk it all to save life. God bless all! Photos compliments of Scott Bello. Minden Test AT & Test AT Tail Logo: Taken at Minden '04. Photos compliments of Ron. T-12 at Minden: On 6-25-05. In support of the "Badger" fire in Carson City. Photos compliments of Mike Evans. Tankers 12 and 44: Tanker 12 was at Minden Sat. June 25th. Tanker 44 came to Minden to help with the Badger Fire east of Carson City. You can see the smoke in the back ground. Photos compliments of Ron Santi. T-23 & T-23 Close: At Minden on 6-22-05. She was there in support of the "Badger" fire in Carson City. Photos compliments of Mike Evans. AirTankers 13Lead-88 and T-21: "Lead" plane banking left and "Bomber" banking right after another successful run. Lead Plane and T-21 N921AU (Aero Union Lockheed P-3A) dropping on the Waterfall Fire in Carson City NV. July 21, 2004. Photo compliments of Mike Evans. Discussion between Killer, A/C Dispatcher and KCP (on theysaid 7/27-7/28/04) and rcair on 10/18 who provided crew names: "Great shot of Jan Reifenberg in the P3. Other crew of Tanker 21 is Jim Lesley and Dan Dawson. The Lead Plane (FS King Air) with T-21 in the Waterfall picture is Lead 8-8 with Rick Gicla." Waterfall Fire T-21, T-22, T-26 and SEAT Series: Here are 15 more photos of the same aircraft. T-21 and Lead 8-8, and some of more of T-21, T-22, T-26 and 2 SEAT photos. July 21, 2004. Photos compliments of Mike Evans. Minden Air Test AT: Photo compliments of Mike Evans. AirTankers 14T-20, T-20 at Minden: Photos compliments of Mike Evans. Big and Little: Big Bomber--Little Bomber. T-26 at Minden. Photo compliments of Mike Evans. T-23 at Minden: Photo compliments of Mike Evans. Sisters: T-23 & T-21 at Minden during "Fred" fire. Photo compliments of Mike Evans. T-21: During Waterfall Fire, compliments of Mike Evans. Air Tanker F7F: This photo was taken at the Ukiah Air Attack Base in Ukiah California in Aug.1972 and I think the pilot's name was Harry Chaffy and operated by Sis Q Flying Service. Thanks Leroy Zwicky for the photo. From FedFire, "according to the Warbird Registry, the Grumman F7F Tigercat flown as N6177C Tanker 31 crashed in 1974. The registry has is a color photo and more information. History: S.V. Flying Service, Montague, CA, 1963; Registered as N6177C; Sis-Q Flying Service, Montague/Santa Rosa, CA, 1963-1974; Flew as tanker #E31; Crashed and destroyed, Ukiah, CA, Sept. 31, 1974. Lead 88: LEAD 88 during "Waterfall" Fire. Photo compliments of Mike Evans. T-21: During Fred Fire, compliments of Mike Evans. Lead 88 Again: On the Waterfall Fire. Photo compliments of Mike Evans. "Spotter", N975AA, N17DL: Here's 3 of the spotter aircraft resting at Minden, (KMEV) after the "Waterfall" Fire. Photos compliments of Mike Evans. SEAT & SEAT again: SEATS at Minden (KMEV) during the "Andrew" fire. Photos compliments of Mike Evans. Bridge, Oasis, Alamos: Air tankers on the respective fires. Photos compliments of Mike Meadows. AirTankers 15S-2, S-2 Again, S-2 Drop: Photos compliments of Mike Meadows. AT on ValVerde, DC-4 on Simi Fire,C130 Drop on Simi, C130 Drop: Browns drop= DC-4 on Simi Fire, etc. Photos compliments of Mike Meadows. Air Attack: Photos compliments of Mike Meadows. AT on Williams Fire, Williams Brush: Photos compliments of Mike Meadows. Alaska AT: This is one of a number of images I shot while fighting some of Alaska's wildfires in 2004 - the biggest fire season in the state's history. Photo compliments of Mike McMillan - Alaska Smokejumper, www.spotfireimages.com For more of Mike's Smokejumper and fire images, go to Smokejumper 2 and Fire 26 photo pages. MAFFS Series: MAFFS or the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System is a self-contained reusable 3000-gallon aerial fluid dispersal system that allows Lockheed C-130 cargo/utility aircraft to be converted to wildland firefighting air tankers. MAFFS use is a joint program with the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and the U.S. Forest Service. JW says, These photos were taken by an Air Force photographer (making them public domain) while I was out at Hill AFB in Utah with MAFFS doing initial attack in summer 2004. #1 L-R Smokey Helper Houston Sim (Wasatch-Cache FS), Smokey, and loadmaster Kevin Driscoll of the 302nd Air Lift Wing in the rear of MAFFS 2 (Smokey, Allison Fairbourne, Wasatch-Cache NF) #2 MAFFS 2. #3 This photo shows the tubes at the back more clearly. #4 This next one is very posed, but I still like it. Greg, the lead plane pilot, is just one of the nicest people you can hope to meet. Smokey (Smokey, Allison Fairbourne, Wasatch-Cache NF) and USDA Forest Service lead plane N146Z and pilot Greg McDonald. Photos sent in by JW. T26 at Minden: I'm so sad about the loss of T26. I knew Brain from Minden. Two years ago he flew T25 out of Minden. This picture of T26 is from last summer ('04). It came into Minden to fight the Andrew fire south of Reno. Photo compliments of Ron S. AT Drop in Alaska & Low Drop in AK: Photos compliments of Sean L. CDF T95 & T95 Closer: T-95 at Redding. Photos compliments of Mike Evans. AirTankers 16Bray Fire '90, 2 pics: Ed Hollenshead's Team stopped this fire on my doorstep in 1990, the Bray Fire. Photos compliments of Old Sawyer. AT and Engines, T-26 Memorial: Pictures taken at the T-26 memorial today at Aero Union in Chico. The Navy also had a P-3 present. Photos compliments of John E. ('05) Fallen T- 26: I just found this photo I took on 8/24/04 at CDC........In loving memory. Photos compliments of Ryan Hales. De Yellowknife: Photo compliments of Claude St-Pierre, Canada. New Jet AT: First British Aerospace BAE-146 Regional Jetliner acquired by Minden Air, of Minden, Nevada, for conversion to Air Attack role. Silver State News Service visited on February 4, 2005, as the conversion work began on the former Air Wisconsin N606AW. Photo sent in by RA. AT & Engine and Secret Fire AT 2: Kingman E-261 & AT dropping on the Secret Fire in Arizona. Photo compliments of Dan H. T44 & T-12 - from Ron: At Minden; Tanker 44 came to Minden to help with the
Badger fire east of Carson City T-12 at Minden -Mike, T12 Nose, T12 Nose Design: A T12 frenzy!!! Photos compliments of Mike Evans. T23 & T23 Nose: T-12 at Minden on 6-25-05. Close up of T-12 as she departs Minden. Photos compliments of Mike Evans. Mason Gulch AT: AT on the Mason Fire near Wetmore, Colorado. As of 10 July 2005, the fire is moving south and more evacuations are being ordered. Heavy airtankers are using Pueblo Memorial Airport as a base of operations. The airport is about 40 miles from the fire, smaller airtankers are using Fremont County Airport, just 15 miles from the fireline. Photo compliments of Jamie Urrea. 2 Air Platforms S NV: Two Air Attack ships waiting for their turn on the Southern Nevada Complex 2005. Photo compliments of Ryan H. AT 12, Twin Falls: Tanker 12 at Twin Falls for the Clover Fire. Photo compliments of Ryan H. Air Attack, Dammeron: On the Dammeron Fire in St. George, UT.......7/20-7/31/05. Photo compliments of Ryan H. AirTankers 17ATs on Canadian Interface Series: Here's some photos of fire and tanker action (CL-415) on an incident near Chibougamou, Quebec (yes, that's "up here" in Canada). I'm not sure when this happened, other than earlier this season- my father emailed them to me and I'm never too sure where he gets the darned things!! Enjoy, 40acrefarmer, Ian S also sent in by JS. If anyone knows the photographer or the fire, please email Ab. The photos were taken with a Canon Eos Digital camera on 6/3/05. FS Ship at McCall 1 & 2, N147Z, Tanker 21: A few aircraft shots from McCall, ID during the Snake One Fire. Photo compliments of Ryan H. AirTankers 1850th Anniversary of Air Tankers Page: Ceremony at Willows CA on August 13, 2005. It was well worth the trip. The Mendocino NF did a really great job. After the show at the airport, the SO was opened for a display of historical photos and equipment, as well as cake and Cedar saplings for the guests. Smokey also made an appearance for the kids. Photos compliments of AW. Jumpers 1, 2, & 3, these are from the Smoke Jumper demonstration, a total of 4 jumpers were dropped, in groups of two. Seat flyby, here is the seat that made a drop for the crowd. CDF display, CDF had an S2T and OV-10 on hand as well as Vina Helitack and their Bell 205. Model 51 & 62, Kanawah FD a local volunteer fire department brought their engine 852 a retired US Forest Service Model 51, it is sitting next to a current US Forest Service Model 62, things have changed in the past 25 or 30 years. N3N, this is an example of the type of aircraft first used, they typically held 120 gallons but under ideal conditions could load 180 gallons of water. Original tanker, this is what is left of one of the original tankers, somebody bought it and apparently has plans to restore it. Pilot, here is Frank Prentice at the podium, he is the last of the original group of seven who started flying in 1955. Tanker marker, this is the marker at the Willows airport recognizing the early tanker program. Historical AirTankers and Other Airplanes Used in Fire Ab Note: Joe Ely passed away in April, 2006. Joe was Fire Control Officer on the Mendocino National Forest, at the time when the AT program began on July 23, 1955. He had long been interested in dropping water on fire from aitplane. He is missed. The photo of him was taken at the 50th Anniversary of the first Air Tanker drop. Photos are compliments of TC. ~Here's what was said of the August, 2005 Anniversary event~ On August 13, 2005, at the Willows Airport, the Mendocino National Forest hosted an anniversary day marking the 50th year of aerial firefighting. AirTankers 19T-91: This photo was taken after a drop on a small fire south of Willits, Ca on June 30, 2005. Photo taken by Connor Zwicky. T-44: At KMEV during the Badger Fire in Carson City, 6/05. Photo compliments of Mike Evans. SEAT 494, SEAT 417, SEAT 417 Again, T-82, T-83, T-83 Again & T-83 yet Again, T-88, T-89: These airtankers were at Minden during the Mudlake Fire. 7/05. Photos compliments of Mike Evans. South Africa SEAT Series: Photos sent in by "Brick" Shield, Regional Manager, Working on Fire, South Africa. For more photos take a look at Fire 27 photo page. If anyone knows the specific photographers, please email us with the info. Ab.
Blue Drop: "Blue Retardant" Yes CDF is using a new gel retardant. Not all bases have it yet, still using up the old stuff and bases that are CDF/FS still use the red retardant. But seeing is believing.... Photos compliments of NOPSer. Blue Gel Drop & Another Blue Drop: Photos sent in Bard, fyrpilot. Please let us know who the photographer is. Ab. Later we heard this... Thanks Peter. My name is Peter Armstrong and I shot those photos of tanker 90 at the "Redemeyer fire" in Ukiah on August 12, 2005. Please give me photo credit. Thanks, Peter Armstrong, 51 Highland, Ukiah, Calif. 95482 707-489-3369. Aubenas France '05 & Aubenas France 2: Photos compliments of Zag who says, "Here are some of my personal pics of my country from France south." AirTankers 20Aubenas France '05, Ardeche France, Ardeche ATs, Ardeche, Ardeche Sunset '05, Ardeche Drop: Photos from France are compliments of Zag who says, "Here are some of my personal pics of my country from France south." Volcan Fire 9/8/05, SEAT loads for Volcan, AT 71 at Ramona, CDF ready for Volcan: Photos compliments of Ron S. Blue Goo Drop: 8/25/05 on the Cook Fire. Photo compliments of Jerry S and also came in from the KKLMB family. Fly Creek Fire: AT 29 on the Fly Creek Fire, 2004. Photo compliments of Dan Tindal. T-14 & 64 at Fox, T-64, T-151 (old paint), AT-18 at Fox: All were taken at Fox (Air Tanker Base) Field in Lancaster, CA a few years ago. I don't recall the date. I just take pictures of aircraft as a hobby, I was in aerospace 31 years. I can't give you any info on these planes, except for the type, C-54, C-130 etc. Anyway enjoy. Photos compliments of Bob West. PCFR SEAT: Potter County Fire and Rescue, Amarillo TX. Lots of acreage burned in TX in 2006. Photo compliments of Pat Fitzpatrick. (0406) SEAT Drop: Gooding Rural Fire District and BLM Twin Falls District on this fire north of Gooding, Idaho. "Started by pickup traveling up Hwy 46. Just happened to be in the right spot at the right time." Photos compliments of Pat Bishop, Fire Chief, Gooding City-Rural Fire Department. (0806) Supertanker Demo & Super-T at McClellan: Super tanker demo at McClellan (May, 06). Pretty interesting to watch and to see the inside of the plane. Photos compliments of CS. (0506) AirTankers 21AT 22 in Florida: Photo compliments of JS.(0506) T-21: Photo compliments of Allan H.(0506) B564: Bomber 564 on station Mount Gambier, South Australia (February 2006) Photographer: Jason Chastain (0506) Blue Lake: Bombers 563 and 564 over Blue Lake, Mount Gambier, South Australia. Photographer: Jason Chastain. (0506) Airport Column: Wisconsin. This was from the one of the two significant (significant for us) fires we had this year. Photo compliments of JNG.(0506) Show Low AT 27: Show Low Fire, Show Low AZ holding line. The Fire was on the Apache-Sitgraves National Forest. Burned approx 6,500 acres. In PJ, Grass under-story, and stringers of Ponderosa Pine. Photo compliments of Joseph B. (0606) Supertanker Series: Photos contributed by Rush Alexander. (0506) Martin Mars in British Columbia Series: I took these shots of the Philippine-based Martin Mars on 10 SEP 05 at Sproat Lake on Vancouver Island, Canada. The Hawaiian-based Martin Mars plane fought the Delta Fire (a bog fire) in BC. I took the Delta Bog Fire pictures on 12 SEP 05. Photos by James C. Goodall. (0206) AirTankers 22Martin Mars in British Columbia Series (continued): The Hawaiian-based Martin Mars plane fought the Delta Fire (a bog fire) in British Columbia Canada. I took the Delta Bog Fire pictures on 12 SEP 05. Photos by James C. Goodall. (0206) B-25 AirTanker Photos: Tanker 336, Tanker 338, Dropping a Load from Tanker 336, CF MWC 1974: I just came across your site and thought you may like to post these photos. My father was chief pilot and engineer on these B-25 Mitchells from 1974-1991. He flew them exclusively in Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada. They all have since been sold to private collectors in the States and have been put back into Military colors. Photos compliments of Greg Rees. (0306) ATs on Missionary Ridge Fire 2002: Tanker 16, Smoke from Durango airport, Tanker 12, Tanker 14, Inside tanker 127, SEATS. Photos compliments of Jimmer (0306) SEAT on Moccasin Fire: Moccasin Fire, Indiana Dunes, IN. Photo compliments of Joe J. (0706) Sawtooth Fire AirTankers: Fire action from my backyard. Tuesday 7/11/06 4PM ; at the eastern advance of the fire area; just east of Pioneertown in Skyline Ranch area. Fire was stopped here 1/4 mi west of me in Skyline Ranch; and 1/2 mi north at Aberdeen/Pipes Cyn Rd & Hwy 247. Between 8-11 PM a back-burn tied the two areas together. 3 'dozers with 3 hand crews and the burn crew completed the burnout. Photos compliments of Marc. (0706) Jumper 41: Jumper 41 from the Boise Smoke Jumpers while he was here at Prescott AZ for monsoon season lightning chasing. Photo compliments of Mike L. (0706) Burn Cabin Fire 1 & 2: Here are two images of retardant drops that took place on the Burn Cabin Fire in Oregon last year. Photo compliments of Nepper. (0206) BC Martin Mars: My name is Wyatt Boothby and i'm a wildland firefighter from B.C Canada. These photos i've taken over the course of the last four seasons in the coastal fire district. Several are of the Martin Mars air tankers, who should need no introduction. I hope you enjoy them. Photo compliments of Wyatt Boothby. (0606) AirTankers 23BC Martin Mars 2: Photos I've taken in B.C Canada over the course of the last four seasons in the coastal fire district. This one is of the Martin Mars air tanker, that should need no introduction. Photo compliments of Wyatt Boothby. (0606) Pedro Fire AT 1 & 2: Here are a few snaps of air tankers dropping on the Pedro Fire. Photo compliments of Al Golub. (0706) DC-10 AT Team & DC-10 on Sawtooth: Photos compliments of Ray Cheney. (0706) Scooper 264 & Scooper 267: Photos of Scooper 267 (black n yellow) and 264 (red n yellow). Photos compliments of Jason R. (0906) Derby Fire AT: On 8-30-06 Photo sent in by Loryl B. If you know the photographer, please let us know so we can give credit. Ab. (0906) Tanker 86: Pilot Bill Buckley, in tanker 86, makes a drop on the McDowell Fire in Hopland. Sept. 14, 2006. Photo by Peter Armstrong. (0906) Tanker 85: No, this is not an early version of a "water-scooper" air tanker.
This event occurred in the mid 1970's. Tanker 85 was dispatched from Medford, OR to a fire on the Deschutes N.F. in central Oregon. Tanker 85 made an initial trip, dropped
its load, and then returned to Medford for a second load. The pilot "thought" he had enough fuel for a second trip so he didn't bother to refuel. On the second trip he was held up over the fire longer than he anticipated, finally dropped his load and then ran out of fuel on the way back to Medford. He managed to make a perfect, "dead-stick" landing in Diamond Lake near the crest of the Cascades (note Mt. Thielsen in the background). You can see how well an air tanker can float when it has empty fuel and
retardant tanks! DC-10 Tree Strike 1 & 2: The DC-10 flew on the “White Fire” in Kern County. While operating on that incident (6/25/07), the DC-10, Tanker 910, experienced a loss of altitude and struck the top of several trees. The flight crew was able to apply power and fly out of the altitude loss and safely return to their base at Victorville. There were no injuries to the flight crew or anyone on the ground. The DC-10 had dropped 83,000 gallons of retardant on the “White Fire” before the accident. For more on that, read theysaid late June 07 and early July 07. Photos just making the rounds. Don't know who took them. But, hey is that person wants credit, get 'em to write in. Ab. From an email that circulated after the tree strike along with the photos:
DC-10 Tanker on first tree strike
Easy 1-4: A friend sent me these - late afternoon 7/8/07. The EASY STREET fire is burning on the north and northwest sides of Wenatchee WA. 2500+ acres tonight (7/8/07). 250+ homes under evacuation orders - earlier. Fire moving east towards this location......the Columbia River is one more drainage east (to the right in "easy #1") His house is near the top of <snip> Rd. - just to the bottom-right corner of the pic "easy #1". All pics taken there and are with a "normal" lens. Photos sent in by Scott A, taken by his friend. (0707) Peak Fire AT 1 & 2: Near Napa CA. This fire started about 3 hours after the fog lifted 7/11/07... 50% contained now with minimal structure threat. Started by a tree chipping crew. Photos compliments of MG. (0707) T-27 on Osos: Photo of Tanker 27, Osos Fire LPF, 1991, Capt Jan Reifenberg. I think this is same Ridge that burned in Rancho Fire last week (6/30/07). Photo compliments of jmck. (0707) Grand Junction CO, T-64 on Mt Garfield: Part of an airtanker group fighting fire at Dinosaur National Park on 070500 and Tanker 64 fighting on Mt Garfield on 070400. Photos compliments of Cal Cochran. (0707) AirTankers 24T-21 Kingsley Fire Series of 3: Some photos of T-21 taken on the Kingsley Fire on the Mendocino, summer of '06. Photos compliments of BR. (0707) Thomas Canyon IA: We arrived about 1 hour before the Thomas Canyon fire broke near the town of Winnemucca NV. At first it appeared an easy pick-up until the downdraft hit-- the fire went from 20 acres to 300+ in about 1 minute. This is a photo of a SEAT (Single Engine Air Tanker) laying line. For the full series of 5 see the Engines 17 photo page. Photo compliments of JS. (0707) AT on Jocko Lakes: Taken on the Jocko Lakes fire (MT-FHA) on Aug 4, 2007. The location is west of Seeley Lake on Road 9974. The entrance to the drive way read MOSS ROCK. Home owner unknown. The location is in Div A. Myself and Jeff Muenster Div A. were scouting out the divisions we were going to take over in the morning. IMT 2 Glenn McNett was assuming command of the fire on 8/5. Cameron Goins, Div B, Jocko Lakes Fire provided the information. (Theysaid 8/23/07) Poomacha AT -1 & 2- and Poomacha MAFFS: Photos compliments of DW, Grouchyoldzrdude. (1107) Aztec Fire '02 1 & 2: These are from the Aztec Fire near Roswell, NM in 2000. NMAirBear was the ATGS on this fire. Photos compliments of Homey. (0106) DC-10 on Moonlight & Pair of P3s: Moonlight Fire, PNF / LNF Sept 2007. Photos compliments of ACW. (0907) For more photos from ACW of the Moonlight Fire, see Engines 18, Equipment 11, Handcrews 22 and Fire 36. North Fire Air Show: North fire, ANF Sept 2007. LACO CL415; CL415 Drop; Lead & P3; P3 Drop. Photos compliments of ACW. (0907) For more photos from ACW of the North Fire, see Engines 19, Helicopters 23 and Airtankers 24. T-24 on Mudd Lake: Photo of Tanker 21 making a drop on the Mud Lake fire April 13, 2003 just north of Detroit Lakes MN. Photo courtesy of Detroit Lakes Tribune. (Steve S. 0307) Lone Pine Cyn, T-93: Lone Pine Canyon, California: it is Cal Fire Tanker 93 through the smoke. Photo compliments of RC. (0408) Air Force 1 and T-94: Here is a picture taken as Air Force One was landing Redding Airport, Thursday, July 18,2008. Photo compliments of Allen C. (0708) Air Force 1 Leaving: Leaving Redding Airport. Photo compliments of IRGirl. (0708) AirTankers 25N1492Z (King Air) & N144Z (Citation Bravo): The National Infrared Operations Program (NIROPS) is THE primary intelligence provider of thermal infrared data to the incidents. The two planes, crews, coordinators, and infrared interpreters work every night, 7 days a week. NIROPS has been flying 15-20 complexes each night since 6/23 to give the situation unit updated heat perimeters and areas of intense heat. This data is usually used to update the incident fire perimeter that is then uploaded to geomac* (thank you GISGirl) and viewed by the world. N149Z (King Air) and N144Z (Citation Bravo) that are the work horses of the program. Photos compliments of IRGirl. (0708) SEAT on Sleeping Elephant Fire 1 & 2: Near Topaz Lake, NV. Photo compliments of mike k. (0708) T-910: The huge air tanker. 6/10/08. Photo compliments of Rick. (0608) ( If you have photos you want to share, send them in! ) |
