MESA, AZ — On the tarmac at Mesa Gateway Airport, a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft sits ready for action, loaded with up to 4,000 gallons of water and retardant, and primed to support Arizona’s wildfire fight from the air.
The aircraft, operated by Coulson Aviation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, became a critical asset above Wickenburg this week as flames tested ground crews in the rugged desert.
“It’s a good feeling when you get your drop where it needs to be,” said Joshua Kryzsko, a captain with Coulson Aviation, after demonstrating the plane’s capabilities to ABC15 cameras on Monday…