New Mexico has deployed special air teams to assist in fighting the wildfires that continue to spread throughout the state.
The teams will use specialized aircraft to drop water or retardant over the flames to slow or stop the spread of the fires currently burning out of control in San Miguel, Mora and Sandoval counties, a recent KOB 4 news report said.
New Mexico has deployed all eight of the special "Super Scooper" aircraft to fight the fires, the report said. The aircraft are capable of gliding at approximately 90 mph and can take in approximately 1600 gallons of water in order to drop on the fire. Fortunately, there are lakes nearby for the aircraft to refill their water.
“It's really key to the success of these aircraft right here,” pilot Patrick Goodrich told KOB 4. “These aircraft shine when they have a water source that's close to the fire. We make quick turnarounds.”
Crews from all over the country have flown into the area to help fight the conflagration. Many of the other aircraft being used to fight the blaze are former military aircraft, and they make trips to fill water and drop it over and over.
“You get to go bomb fires and help people out,” Goodrich said. “It's just a blast. It's a great job.”