For a number of years commercial companies have been involved in cloud seeding and fire suppression measures. Cloud seeding requires the release of chemicals in the atmosphere in an effort to have water crystals attach themselves and become heavy enough to produce rain. The Air Force does not have a cloud seeding capability.
Fire suppression involves dumping chemicals onto a fire using cargo-type aircraft or helicopters.
The 731st Airlift Squadron assigned to the 302nd Airlift Wing , Peterson Air Force Base, CO., is trained in the use of modular airborne fire fighting systems that help firefighting efforts of the U.S. Forest Service by dropping retardant chemicals directly onto fires. The 302nd AW has conducted firefighting response in Colorado, California, Oregon and Idaho. U.S. forest fires generally occur in desolate, almost inaccessible geographical areas. The U.S. Forest Service turned to air power to help its ground fire fighting units quickly contain and suppress these fires. Over the years, the forest service has developed a highly effective air-attack organization and air tanker fleet to deal with the forest fire emergency.