Medford Air Tanker Base Sets Record for Fire Retardant Drops

Medford’s Air Tanker Base has established itself as a vital hub for firefighting efforts in the region, playing a pivotal role in battling wildfires. Large Air Tankers (LATs) and Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs) stationed at this base have been working seemingly non-stop all summer, conducting critical retardant drops to combat fires across Southern Oregon and Northern California. The latest statistics reveal a record-breaking 1,635,596 million gallons of retardant dropped to date, with about than a month remaining before the base’s scheduled seasonal closure.

This achievement marks yet another milestone in the Medford Air Tanker Base’s recent history of exceptional service. In 2014, the base loaded 1.575 million gallons of retardant, followed by another busy year in 2018, where they exceeded 1.5 million gallons. In a more typical fire year, such as 2019, the base loaded approximately 300,000 gallons.

What sets this summer apart is the sheer volume of retardant deployed, despite statistically fewer acres affected by fires. This highlights the aggressive initial attack strategy adopted by local fire managers throughout the fire season, emphasizing the importance of quick and efficient firefighting responses.

Personnel at the Medford Airtanker Base play a pivotal role in coordinating both state and federally contracted airtankers, facilitating fire suppression activities across jurisdictional boundaries. Their collaborative efforts extend to agencies such as the Oregon Department of Forestry, Cal-Fire, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and various state and federal land management agencies.

In an additional testament to their commitment, the Tanker Base recently provided support by assisting a crew transport operation. The National Incident Coordination Center (NICC) jet, chartered to carry 100 Alaskan crew members home after completing their assignment on the Happy Camp Complex in California, received important assistance from the Medford Air Tanker Base.

As the summer fire season nears its conclusion, the Medford Air Tanker Base’s dedication and impressive performance continue to be a beacon of hope in the fight against wildfires, safeguarding communities and natural landscapes alike.