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Idaho Matters

One team prepares to help fight wildfires from the air

A special group of aerial firefighters are likely to be very busy this summer. Idaho Matters sits down with reporter Madelyn Beck to find out why.

Broadcast on:
17 May 2022
The 302 Airlift Wing out of Colorado Springs came to Boise to train its MAFFs unit in 2011.
The 302 Airlift Wing out of Colorado Springs came to Boise to train its MAFFs unit in 2011.(Samantha Wright / Boise State Public Radio)

Agencies like the Forest Service often use contract airplanes to drop fire retardant on wildfires. If resources fall short, though, a specialized team of military personnel can help.

This year is shaping up to be another extreme fire season. So having this backup may be especially helpful. For the last few years, the Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems team has been in higher demand.

Mountain West News Bureau reporter Madelyn Beck joins Idaho Matters to talk more about the MAFF'S program and what fire seasons look like for this crew.