Wildfire response efforts expand with new aircraft technology and National Guard support

Neptune Aviation is retrofitting an Airbus A319 to become the world’s first firefighting aircraft of its kind. Based in Missoula, the company is stripping the passenger jet of seats, luggage bins, and galleys to install a specialized tanking system. The converted aircraft will carry 4,500 gallons of fire retardant, a nearly 50% increase over the 3,000 gallons carried by Neptune’s current fleet of BAe 146 aircraft.

In Washington, the National Guard is providing ongoing support to combat statewide wildfires. Since July 19, aviation crews have flown 225 hours, dropping approximately 1.2 million gallons of water and over 1,400 buckets. Ground crews are also assisting with fire line construction, debris clearing, and mop-up operations, such as those at the Little Giant Fire near Leavenworth.