Large airtankers deployed from Colorado Springs Airport to fight fires

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — As the Oak Ridge Fire continues to burn in Custer and Pueblo counties, those in Colorado Springs may have seen Large Airtankers (LATs) taking flight from the Colorado Springs Airport (COS).

According to a COS post on Facebook over the weekend, the U.S. Forest Service “tanker base planes are [being] deployed” from the Airport to help fight wildfires. “If you’ve noticed planes coming and going, they are likely involved in efforts to tackle the seasonal blazes,” wrote COS .

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website , LATs can deliver up to 4,000 gallons of fire retardant, and according to a spokesperson for the Oak Ridge Fire, the LATs have been used over the past week and through this weekend to help in firefighting efforts.

While LATs are still being deployed to battle the flames, as of Tuesday morning, July 2, helicopters are being used as the main air resources. A spokesperson explained to FOX21 that helicopter pilots are more easily able to target hot spots and work closer with ground crews.

The Oak Ridge Fire remains at 1,190 acres with a 5% containment as of the latest update on Tuesday morning.

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