- Hawk Fire grows near Reno, Nevada, prompting evacuation orders for thousands.
- Aircraft from Sacramento McClellan Airport, including DC-10s and Tanker 914, are deployed to fight the fire.
- Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado sent a strike team including five engines, a strike team leader, a battalion chief, and the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System and Tanker 914 from McClellan Airport.
- Residents expressed hope that the aircraft would help contain the Hawk Fire, as some have evacuated family members.
- The DC-10s made multiple flights over the area, drawing attention from local residents.
- Only four 10-tanker air carriers exist in the nation, and two are based at McClellan Airport, each carrying over 9,000 gallons of water and fire retardant.
- Each flight from takeoff to the Hawk Fire took about 20 minutes.
- Photographers found the large firefighting aircraft impressive and a rare opportunity to photograph.
- Photographers praised the quick response and the impact of having firefighting aircraft nearby.
Thousands of residents are being urged to evacuate as the Hawk Fire continues to grow near Reno, Nevada. The fire has prompted a significant response from firefighting teams, including aircraft from Sacramento's McClellan Airport, which are crucial in battling the blaze.147
On the tarmac at McClellan Airport, dozens of planes and helicopters were prepared for action. Among them were DC-10s, rare air tankers that can carry over 9,000 gallons of water and fire retardant. Each flight to the fire takes about 20 minutes, allowing for rapid response to the flames.256
Cal Fire's Amador-El Dorado unit has also sent a strike team to assist, including five engines and a battalion chief. Their Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System and Tanker 914 were dispatched directly from McClellan Airport to support ground crews.3
Photographer JP Davis noted the excitement of watching the aircraft take off, stating, "These guys are pretty quick to respond. You see them load and return and the anticipation to wait and watch them take off. Once they take off, you know they're out there doing amazing things."
Residents like Tammy Aronson expressed their concern, saying, "I hope they're doing some good up there at the Hawk Fire. We have great-grandkids that are evacuated, so we're praying that they get it out." The community remains hopeful as firefighting efforts continue to intensify.
“Only four 10-tanker air carriers exist in the nation, with two based at McClellan, each carrying over 9,000 gallons of water and retardant. Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado sent a strike team including five engines and a battalion chief to assist.”
CBS News
