DC-10 SUPERTANKER EFFECTIVENESS ON ESPERANZA FIRE

In a report by California Department of Forestry (CDF) Aviation Chief Mike Padilla the DC-10 Supertanker was given high marks for its work on roping in the Esperanza Fire. Mike stated that the supertanker had increased containment from 6% to 65% with a series of six drops. Considering the fact that fire suppression of the Esperanza Fire has exceeded $8 million, it seems that a $5 million seasonal contract for the plane would be well worth it. Had it been used at first light on 10/26 when the fire was just getting going, it might have been able to corral the blaze before it really spread. We'll never know now. But at least CDF is crediting the aircraft with contributing a major assist to controlling this monster fire. I will be making a report about this on public access cable Wednesday night, Ch 99 on Adelphia at 7 PM. My hope is to raise public awareness so that the CDF is pressured to award the much-needed contract before the DC-10 is grounded for good due to lack of funds. For more info, visit my website at Firebomber Publications or drop me a line at marcher47@firebomberpublications.com.