Firefighters were prepared to launch the biggest aerial assault yet of a massive wildfire that has raged across Central Texas,
but now say there's no need at present. The blazes have destroyed nearly 1,400 homes and tens of thousands of acres of drought-parched land. Officials had planned to deploy a converted DC-10 jumbo jet capable of dropping 12,000 gallons of fire retardant on the blaze and smoldering hotspots. But the Texas Forest Service says that, while the plane is ready to go, there's no immediate need. Retardant is dropped to help make flames shorter and smaller, allowing firefighters on the ground to make headway. Crews have said they've made steady progress against the fire near Austin and have closed in around its biggest flames and are focusing on hotspots with ground crews. Concern lingers, however, about wind sparking flare-ups or fanning flames outside the area. The DC-10 could now be used anywhere in the state should the need arise.
but now say there's no need at present. The blazes have destroyed nearly 1,400 homes and tens of thousands of acres of drought-parched land. Officials had planned to deploy a converted DC-10 jumbo jet capable of dropping 12,000 gallons of fire retardant on the blaze and smoldering hotspots. But the Texas Forest Service says that, while the plane is ready to go, there's no immediate need. Retardant is dropped to help make flames shorter and smaller, allowing firefighters on the ground to make headway. Crews have said they've made steady progress against the fire near Austin and have closed in around its biggest flames and are focusing on hotspots with ground crews. Concern lingers, however, about wind sparking flare-ups or fanning flames outside the area. The DC-10 could now be used anywhere in the state should the need arise.
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