Arizona firefighters battling the growing Jones Fire near Wickenburg are receiving aerial support from Bridger Aerospace, which has deployed specialized aircraft to assist suppression efforts as wildfires threaten the state.
Two of Bridger’s Super Scooper aircraft were dispatched to the fire to provide rapid-response water drops, while the company’s Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) supplied real-time fire mapping and intelligence to firefighters and incident commanders on the ground.
The Jones Fire, burning near communities northwest of Phoenix, underscores the growing year-round wildfire threat facing Arizona and the broader Southwest, where dry conditions and rising temperatures continue to create dangerous fire environments. Drought conditions, in particular, are at record highs this spring, with comparisons to conditions just two years ago painting an ominous picture of the summer ahead.
Left, above: May 2024 drought map. Right: May 2026 drought map. Source.
Bridger Aerospace says its Super Scoopers are uniquely suited for fast-moving fires near populated areas because the aircraft can scoop water directly from nearby lakes and reservoirs before making continuous suppression drops. The company described the strategy as both rapid and environmentally sustainable.
A Bridger Aerospace Super Scooper picking up water for a drop
In addition to aerial water drops, Bridger’s MMA aircraft played a key role in delivering live imaging and fire intelligence designed to help crews coordinate containment operations and protect homes and infrastructure.
“Wildfires are now a year-round threat, and even when most of the country is dealing with a cold snap, we’re thinking ahead,” said Sam Davis, CEO of Bridger Aerospace.
“At Bridger, our team works tirelessly to stay prepared for when the next call comes in,” Davis continued. “A decade ago, we started out with a single plane. Today, we operate a world-class fleet of specialized aircraft to gather real-time data on wildfires, map them out, and extinguish them. We are proud to provide air support for firefighters on the ground, and to do our part in protecting lives, property, and the environment from wildfires.”
As Arizona heads deeper into wildfire season, state and local agencies continue emphasizing the importance of rapid response and coordinated suppression strategies to limit the spread of fires threatening communities and public lands.
