“Super Scooper” aircraft brought in to help assist in fighting the “24 Fire” near Fort Carson – using nearby Pueblo Reservoir to fill tanks

Residents near and visitors to Lake Pueblo State Park  were able to watch two “Super Scooper” aircraft in action, as they collected water from the reservoir to help in the fight against the large “24 fire” that has been burning since Wednesday, March 18.  The fire began near Highway 115 and is largely burning on Fort Carson grounds. The fire has grown to nearly 7,500 acres as of Monday morning with 0% containment.  Reported just before 11:30 am last Wednesday, the fire rapidly grew due to high winds and dry conditions.  Mandatory evacuations were ordered in a two mile radius of Colorado 115 and Fremont County Road F45 and Colorado 115 remains closed in both directions between Fort Carson and Penrose.  Heavy smoke has been visible from all throughout Pueblo West since Wednesday.

The two Super Scoopers were brought in from Bridger Aviation in Arizona to join two heavy aircraft in the effort.  Super Scoopers, Canadair CL-415s, are Canadian-built amphibious aircraft which can rapidly scoop over 1,400 gallons of water in 12 seconds while skimming lakes or oceans at 100 mph, allowing for rapid-response fire suppression and can fly for 3-4 hours, repeatedly delivering water to a fire.  There are only about 160 in operation worldwide and require highly-skilled, experienced pilots.

The 24 Fire as seen from Lake Pueblo State Park

By: Barbara Crimond