California Air National Guard fighting the Hughes Fire in Los Angeles County with C-130J Super Hercules aircraft
A C-130J Super Hercules aircraft is used to fight the Hughes Fire in Los Angeles County by dropping fire retardant. The fire has burned over 10,000 acres and is 14% contained, forcing thousands to evacuate.
Key Points
- MAFFS can discharge 3,000 gallons of retardant in less than five seconds
- Firefighters facing challenges due to aggressive winds
- Red flag warning in effect until 10 a.m. Friday
Pros
- Efficient use of Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems (MAFFS) to drop fire retardant
- Quick refilling of retardant in less than 12 minutes
- Dramatic footage inside the cockpit of the firefighting operation
Cons
- Hughes Fire has burned over 10,000 acres
- Fire remains 14% contained
- Forced evacuation of 50,000 people