DC-10 finished with work on Wallow Fire
DC-10 finished with work on Wallow Fire
14 June 2011
published by www.abc15.com
USA — A DC-10 that was used to fight the Wallow fire was released to return to its base in California today.
The 10 Tanker Air Carrier DC-10 arrived at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport last Thursday and was used to support fire fighting crews in eastern Arizona and in New Mexico.
According to a news release from the Phoenix Interagency Fire Center, this was the first time the aircraft was successfully used in Arizona.
Yesterday the DC-10 flew to Raton, NM completing three passes over the Track fire and dropping nearly 36,000 gallons of fire retardant.
The PIFC says so far they’ve mobilized crews and resources from California, Idaho, Oregon, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Washington and other areas not currently experiencing fire activity.
Crews stage at the east Valley airport to hydrate, prepare their tools and acclimate to Arizona’s temperatures.
The DC-10 can carry over 11,000 gallons of retardant at jet speed to the fire, according to company officials. It was first placed in fire service by California in 2006.
10 Tanker has flown over 365 missions in California, Washington, Australia, and now Texas, Canada, and Arizona.
The DC-10 returned to its home base in Victorville, CA after spending five days in the Southwest Region.
