Tanker 463; Fire Season 2017

Tanker 463; Fire Season 2017
Photo by Bill Barr - CLICK ME!

Monday, April 29, 2019

Hazleton Air Tanker Base Update 04/29/2019

Good morning everyone!

Fire season appears to have morphed into a Rainy season this year. I hope everyone is staying dry during these back to back periods of rain.

Tanker 865 (contract A) departed Hazleton yesterday (04/28/2019) during a short break in the rain. We still have Tanker 855 (Contract B), Tanker 874 (Contract C) and Helicopter 3HA available for dispatch.

Mid-State still has all of its aircraft available: 2 SEATs and a helicopter.

Friday, April 5, 2019

Hazleton Air Tanker Base Update 04/05/2019

Good morning everybody! Hazleton is currently iced over due to some odd weather. Hopefully, we thaw out soon. But until then, a quick update for you!

During the Red Flag fire danger on Wednesday (04/05/2019) Tanker 865 was requested to fly to District 19 for a fire near the Kahr Arms building. News crews were able to show up to the fire and captured our tanker on the drop. Click here for the video and article from Blue Ridge 13!

Wednesday at around 1459 Tanker 855, operated by Dave Bright, arrived safe and sound at Hazleton. Saturday (04/06/2019) Tanker 855 will be on contract and available for dispatch.



Wednesday evening into Thursday morning crew members from District 11 were battling a fire overnight, and in the morning our helicopter 3HA was requested to assist in mopping up and putting out hotspots. Click here for the WNEP news article and video!

Thursday was pretty quiet until closing time. Tanker 865 was requested to drop on a fire in Plymouth township. The following photos are credited to Bill Barr. He had to quickly hop out of his car with his camera for the opportunity to take these shots, so he apologizes for the clutter. Still awesome to get photos of our tankers working!




Friday, March 29, 2019

Hazleton Tanker Base 2019

Good afternoon once again!

It's time for the fire season here in Hazleton, PA...


I think?! A wonderful thing to find in the morning here. This is the result of our tank overfilling and the water splashing onto everything in these wonderful "spring" temperatures! It's okay though, none of our plumbing was harmed and the tank is ready to go!

Tanker 865 is coming onto contract tomorrow (3/30/2019). The pilot and plane arrived here safely late Tuesday (03/26/2019) evening. Just look at this wonderful piece of machinery all ready to go and help our firefighters this season!


We have our new mix tank all set up and ready to go as well. All the plumbing is in order. We are excited to get another season under way!