How rising jet fuel prices are driving up the cost of fighting wildfires
Rising jet fuel prices, driven by the war in Iran, are increasing the cost of aerial wildfire suppression efforts in the United States, with fuel expenses potentially doubling to nearly $100 million this fire season. Most firefighting aircraft are privately owned and operate under contracts that pass fuel cost increases directly to taxpayers. Despite a lower initial fuel budget from the U.S. Forest Service, officials may need to spend more due to heightened fire risks and potential fuel shortages in the Western U.S.
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National How rising jet fuel prices are driving up the cost of fighting wildfires April 30, 20263:00 AM ET By Austin Amestoy A firefighting aircraft drops retardant ahead of the Palisades Fire on Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Justin Sullivan/Getty Images In the summer of 2021, five "Fire Boss" airplanes skimmed the surface of a lake. They belonged to aerial firefighting company Dauntless Air, and they were helping fight a wildfire in Washington state. CEO Brett L'Esperance described the planes this way: "So if you've ever seen Planes 2, this is Dusty Crophopper." In a video of the maneuver shared by Dauntless Air, the single-engine aircraft roar across the water one by one, filling their twin pontoons with water. While the U.S.
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