Fire bosses temporarily lose air power in battling wildfires
(Phoenix-AP) -- As we head into wildfire season, fire bosses are
temporarily without one of their best allies.
More than a quarter of the heavy air tankers used to drop
retardant on fires have been grounded because of safety concerns.
The remaining planes have to be reinspected and recertified
before taking off and battling wildfires.
The government says that so far, only nine have been certified.
Once they're back in the air, the tankers will hold 15-percent less
retardant because of weight concerns.
Another new policy is in place.
Heavy air tankers will be used primarily to attack small fires
to keep them from growing large.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(Phoenix-AP) -- As we head into wildfire season, fire bosses are
temporarily without one of their best allies.
More than a quarter of the heavy air tankers used to drop
retardant on fires have been grounded because of safety concerns.
The remaining planes have to be reinspected and recertified
before taking off and battling wildfires.
The government says that so far, only nine have been certified.
Once they're back in the air, the tankers will hold 15-percent less
retardant because of weight concerns.
Another new policy is in place.
Heavy air tankers will be used primarily to attack small fires
to keep them from growing large.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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