COLORADO SPRINGS — The summer wildfire season is quickly approaching and firefighters are getting ready now to protect our communities.
This week at Peterson Air Force Base modified C-130s known as MAFFS, or modular airborne firefighting systems, are being prepared for use.
The planes are equipped with a firefighting system that allows them to drop large amounts of fire retardant to protect homes, property and land.
The C130s are a joint effort between the U.S. Forest Service and The Department of Defense.
The Forest Service is anticipating a late fire season this year through most of the region due to above-average snowpack and plentiful moisture so far this spring.