New Jersey 2018 Wildfire Season: Air Tanker Contracts End Soon

As I write this on May 11, 2018, the spring 2018 wildfire season in New Jersey is nearing its end. At least if you are looking at one the aviation contracts end, this spring wildfire season is nearing its conclusion. That is, I believe that Tanker 81, the AT-802 that is on contract in central New Jersey at Miller Air Park (aka Ocean County Airport) in Toms River is going off contract at the end of the day. Tanker 61, an AT-602, remains on contract in southern New Jersey out of Downstown Aero near Vineland NJ through May 15th. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!

As I understand it, the NJFFS helicopters with buckets and observation aircraft will continue to be available, as needed, to work to suppport the wildland firefighters on the ground.

I want to thank each Tanker pilot and their ground crews for the work you have down this season to support the wildland firefighters on the ground. Each of you have flown a few wildfires this season, thank-you for your service. Your work won't be forgotten. We are better off with you than without you. I hope that both of you will be back next season.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank the New Jersey Forest Fire Service wildland firefighters and your mutual aid partners for the work that you have done and will continue in fighting wildfires. You do so to keep us in New Jersey safe. Thank-you for your ongoing service. As each Airtanker goes off contract, your work continues. Thank-you for that. My wish is for you to stay safe.