The four Pratt & Whitney R2800 radials make a wonderful noise as Tanker 46 is making a left turn, preparing to drop its load of retardant on the first beginnings of the Parks Highway Fire. This fire eventually became a major wildfire, raging intensely for more than four weeks, during which it consumed 467 km² (115,500 acres) of forest south and east of Nenana. It wasn't until 1 Nov 2006 before it was officially declared "out". It was by far the largest wildfire in Alaska in 2006.

Tanker 46 relaxing in the nice Alaskan morning sun, still completely unaware of how busy the afternoon and evening would become following the outbreak of the Parks Highway Fire just a few hours later.

This fire-bomber stopped off at Shannon on its way back to Canada after a period of fire-fighting duties in Europe. Here, the crew are carrying out some pre-flight inspections before departing on the Atlantic crossing.

This fire-bomber stopped off at Shannon on its way back to Canada after a period of fire-fighting duties in Europe.

Built new for Panagra in 1952 as N6537C. Later with Pacific Western. Converted to tanker by Conair serving them from 1973 until retired in Sep 1981. Note the underbelly droptank.

Out to pasture at Abbotsford with a line of retired S-2's in the background. Delivered new to Northwest Airlines as N581 in March 1958. Acquired by Everts, re-registered N501ZS and ferried to Fairbanks in 2014 for storage.

Looks like the end of the line for this DC-6B parked in the grass at Abbotsford and shedding parts to keep her sisters flying