Operation Sky Hammer: Fighting fire in the Rockies

When smoke begins to rise across the Rocky Mountains, a unique firefighting force lifts off—fast. Operation Sky Hammer was designed to improve success during initial attack on wildfires. The effort combines two helitankers, a helicopter coordinator, and a mobile retardant base. Together, they form a highly mobile and high‑powered response team that can be staged in areas with high fire danger.

Based out of the Jeffco Air Base in Broomfield, Colorado, Sky Hammer can be positioned across the region’s five states. The two Skycrane helitankers—heavy-lift helicopters known for their skeleton-like design—respond as a dedicated pair and can travel with a mobile retardant base that becomes operational within 24 to 48 hours. The U.S. Forest Service handles contracting for aircraft and flight crews, in addition to providing staff and support for the program.

“This innovative program is adding capacity to our wildland firefighting response in Colorado and throughout the Rocky Mountain Region,” said Troy Heithecker, regional forester. “Coupled with the modernized airtanker base in Colorado Springs and our other airtanker bases across our region, we will be able to respond more quickly and efficiently when wildfires start.”