Colorado can expect a normal wildfire season this year, very similar to last, as the state flexes enhanced firefighting practices in the wake of devastating fires. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) outlined the state wildfire preparedness plan to Gov. Jared Polis during a press conference at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport Wednesday.
The event in Broomfield — which houses a base for U.S. Forest Service air tankers — drew Polis, DFPC Executive Director Mike Morgan, Colorado Department of Public Safety Executive Director Stan Hilkey and Colorado State Forest Service Director Matt McCombs.
Behind the speakers stood the newest addition to Colorado’s air tanker fleet, a brand-new S-70 Firehawk.
Based on the military Blackhawk helicopter, the Firehawk is classified as a type I helicopter air tanker, meaning it is the largest and fastest type of firefighting helicopter. The Firehawk can carry 1,000 gallons of water or fire retardant, …