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Air Tanker Drop at Great Alaska Aviation Gathering May 8th Kicks off Wildland Fire Prevention & Preparedness Week

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on May 3, 2022

Attendees of the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering this weekend in Palmer will witness one of the most powerful initial attack resources in Alaska’s wildland firefighting arsenal on full display. Weather and new wildfire starts permitting, the Conair air tanker is set to demonstrate how to accurately drop 2,000 gallons of water over 1,200 feet while only 150 feet off the ground. The midday portion of this family friendly event will also include a bucket drop from the Mat-Su Initial Attack helicopter. This is only the second time the gathering has been hosted at the Palmer Airport. Thousands of people attend the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering every year, making it the perfect event for the dramatic kick off of Wildland Fire Prevention and Preparedness Week. Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared May 9-15th a time for Alaskans to prepare and firewise their homes, cabins, businesses and outbuildings for the wildland fire season which began in April. Alaskans are asked to do their part to prevent wildfires, prepare against them and observe all burn restrictions. DOF will staff a prevention booth at the fairgrounds with information on Firewise, Ready – Set – Go, and current burn and wildfire conditions. #TakeTimeToLearnBeforeYouBurn

Video credit DOF Public Information Officer Kale Casey 2021

What is the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering?
-More than 25,000 aviation enthusiasts and professionals attend annually
-Over 100 aviation-related vendors (flight schools, parts suppliers, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and more!)
-Aircraft static displays
-Free youth aviation activities
-Aviation career fair
-Lots of food trucks
-Fly Market & Swap Meet
-Show & Shine Aircraft Show (show your plane off, registration is free!)
-Live music and beer Gard

Justin Giles from G&G Sound and Light will be at the Palmer Airport all day both Saturday and Sunday for the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering with music, pilot interviews, and MCing activities happening. DOF Public Information Officer Kale Casey will narrate the Conair air tanker and helicopter water drops. Casey will share detailed information about how the pilots and firefighters work together during Initial Attack to keep over 90% of all wildfires small, and audience questions are welcomed.

Learn more about the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/375995741092063?ref=newsfeed