Charlotte-based Guard unit to help firefight in Colorado

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina Air National Guard's 145^th Airlift Wing, based in Charlotte, will send two aircraft equipped with special firefighting systems to Colorado on Saturday to support firefighting efforts throughout the Rocky Mountain area.

The unit received notification of the mission Friday, guard officials said. The aircraft will join other specially equipped C-130s from the Wyoming Air National Guard, the California Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force Reserve's 302^nd Airlift Wing based in Colorado.

The Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System carried by the aircraft can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than 5 seconds, covering an area one-quarter of a mile long by 100 feet wide.

In addition to the two aircraft, a third aircraft carrying support personnel and equipment will also join the mission. About three dozen 145^th members will deploy.