California – An aerial firefighting operation was underway over the Los Padres fire in Southern California on August 27, 2026, as crews worked to slow or stop the spread of the blaze.

Footage shows an aircraft flying over steep, smoke-hazed terrain while supporting firefighting operations in the region.

Crews used lines of fire retardant to create boundaries intended to slow or stop the fire’s spread.

The aircraft, call sign MAFFS 5, was equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System and operated as a surge airtanker when civilian tankers were committed. The system can release up to approximately 3,000 gallons of retardant in seconds.

The footage was taken on August 26, 2026, and posted on September 9. It is credited to U.S. Air Force video by Master Sgt. Justin Norton, DoW Support to National Interagency Fire Center.

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