Oct. 15, 2015 — COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M Forest Service has called in a DC-10 air tanker to help battle the wildfire raging through Bastrop County.
The tanker can drop close to 12,000 gallons of retardant at a time, spreading a swath three-quarters of a mile long and 500 feet wide. It is also able to divide its load into five separate drops if needed.
The Very Large Air Tanker, VLAT, is coming from the West Coast and headed to the Hidden Pines Fire in Bastrop County, Texas. It is expected to be available Friday morning.
TFS plans to use the plane strategically to protect structures, homes and to stop the forward progression of the wildfire.
Fire suppression resources are spread across Texas battling numerous wildfires fueled by drought and critical fire weather conditions. The DC-10 — as well as the other air and ground resources that we currently have in the state — hopefully will provide much-needed protection for communities and relief for firefighters.
To keep up with the most up-to-date information visit http://tfsweb.tamu.edu/currentsituation
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Contact:
Texas A&M Forest Service Communications
979-458-6606, newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu