COLORADO SPRINGS – As the Oak Ridge Fire rages in Custer and Pueblo counties, residents of Colorado Springs may have noticed Large Airtankers (LATs) taking off from the Colorado Springs Airport (COS).
In a recent Facebook post, COS reported that U.S. Forest Service tanker base planes are being deployed from the airport to assist in wildfire suppression. “If you’ve seen planes frequently taking off and landing, they’re likely engaged in efforts to control the seasonal wildfires,” stated the COS update.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates that LATs can carry and deliver up to 4,000 gallons of fire retardant. A spokesperson for the Oak Ridge Fire confirmed that these airtankers have been in action over the past week and continued their operations through the weekend to aid firefighting efforts.
Despite the ongoing deployment of LATs, as of Tuesday morning, July 2, helicopters have become the primary air resource for battling the blaze. A spokesperson explained to FOX21 that helicopters provide more precise targeting of hot spots and better coordination with ground crews.
The latest update on the Oak Ridge Fire reports it covers 1,190 acres and is 5% contained.