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The Twin Falls Air Base is located five miles south of Twin Falls at the Magic Valley Regional Airport. This facility is home to two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT) which are Air Tractor 802’s, and a medium, Type II, Bell 205 A1++ helicopter.

We also employ a full time Air Tactical Group Supervisor who staffs a 'Call When Needed' (CWN) Air Attack platform as the fire season requires. The base is run by a base manager who oversees all operations and facilities. When the season is in full swing, it is not unusual to see large airtankers, CWN helicopters, and an additional cadre of personnel helping to keep up with the aviation and fire suppression efforts.

The Air Base is fully operational from mid-June through mid-October. Morning briefings are held at 0945 to discuss weather, safety, and critique previous operational periods. Often, the group will review aerial photos of the previous day’s fire/s on our smartboard - this procedure allows the group to offer feedback concerning fires within a group setting. This has been a great learning tool for the entire aviation group.

LC95A fire retardant is provided by Phos Chek. This is a full service contract by which the company orders, mixes, and loads retardant onto all airtankers at the base. In addition to retardant pumped from the Twin Falls Air Base, we have four satellite bases which are located in Arco, Hailey, Gooding, and Jackpot, Nevada. In 2006, we began utilizing Barricade II Gel from these satellite bases as part of a BLM evaluation plan. These bases help us to expedite delivery of retardant and/or gels to fires that are farther away from the Twin Falls Air Base.

A small fitness facility is available to employees at the base. After morning briefings, the aviation group sets time aside for physical training. There are several miles of canals available for running or walking in the immediate vicinity.

The Twin Falls Air Base building was built in 2004 and has a full kitchen, pilot’s lounge, and conference room. Additionally, the facility boasts restrooms with showers, laundry room, five offices, large utility room for vehicle maintenance, and crew readiness area.

We welcome many visitors to the airbase throughout the season including large airtanker crews, outside helitack crews, and detailers who come to help when we are busy.

We pride ourselves on being good hosts to all who visit !

South Central Idaho Interagency Dispatch Center
213 West F Street
Shoshone, Idaho 83352
208-886-2373

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