MAFFS II: update

In April 2009 (April 20 to 29), I wrote a series of articles about the modular airborne firefighting system (MAFFS) that may be found here, ending with an article on the second generation MAFFS unit. To summarize, MAFFS are Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve military C-130's outfitted with a modular airborne firefighting system (aka MAFFS). There are eight of these C-130s at four bases around the country. The MAFFS are only activated when all other "civilian" air tankers are committed to initial attack of extended attack incidents. There is a second generation MAFFS called MAFFS II.

Bill Gabbert of Wildfire Today recently reported that the MAFFS air tankers and crew were in South Carolina for training and recertification. You will also want to read his reporting on the MAFFS II units here (January 2009) and here (April 2010). I know that some of you follow WildfireToday and will be familiar with his reporting on the MAFFS II. Those of you who are not familiar with Bill's reporting will want to take some time to read his excellent articles, with photos!