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National Fire Plan Success Story

Kalispell Airtanker Base Reutilization
Flathead National Forest, Kalispell, Montana
National Fire Plan - Firefighting
2009

Two 10,000 gallon tanks.
Two 10,000 gallon tanks will be removed and transported for storage in Missoula.

The Flathead National Forest always looks at maintaining a cost efficient fire management program. A recent decision to close the Kalispell airtanker base (located at Glacier Park International Airport) to streamline operations brought a challenge to the Forest. Recycling and reutilization are important components when closing an airtanker base. As the closure of the airtanker base proceeds through the spring and early summer, all equipment, material and supplies are being made available to the other tanker bases in the region.

This includes 8,000 gallons of premixed retardant left from last year and 49 bins (2000 lbs/ea) of dry powder being dispersed to Missoula and West Yellowstone bases. Two 10,000 gallon tanks will be removed and transported for storage in Missoula for use when tanks at other bases exceed maintenance life cycle. The regional tanker base managers claimed the various pumps, hose, hose dollies, and other support equipment at a site visit in early April. Most office furniture, supplies and equipment was reutilized by the Flathead or made available via the excess property process. This recycling and reutilization adds to cost effectiveness by reducing costs to those who maintain existing airtanker bases.

In addition to sharing equipment, material, and supplies, it is important to leave the airtanker base site in good condition. The Forest FMO met with the airport authorities to clarify their expectation. Attention will be in the details. All power will be pulled back to the power panels, buried water works will be left in place and the 4 cement cradles will be removed. Any bolts left after removing the supper structure will be removed and ground flat with the cement; any cement that is removed and exposes raw dirt will be back filled and seeded.

One last recycling opportunity, the airport authorities are interested in acquiring some of the crane support structure if it is not utilized elsewhere. They are also interested in acquiring the rights to the three wells the Forest Service drilled on the airport property. Effective coordination and planning has resulted in a streamlined fire management program and a great example of recycle, and reuse.

For further information, contact Flathead Forest FMO, Rick Connell, at (406) 758-5261.