RAPID CITY, S.D. — People who have noticed unusual aircraft flying in and out of Rapid City Regional Airport recently may be seeing aerial tankers helping with wildfire response efforts in the region.

According to the Rapid City Regional Airport Facebook page, the aircraft are supporting crews battling the Bradshaw Fire southwest of Broadus, Montana. Aerial firefighting operations require coordination between pilots, firefighters and ground support teams as crews work to slow the spread of wildfires.

Rapid City Regional Airport officials said the airport plays an important role in regional fire response because of its ability to handle larger aircraft. “RAP’s runway length and airfield infrastructure allow us to support larger aircraft used in regional fire response,” airport officials said. “It is one of the less visible roles of the airport, but an important one when conditions across the region call for it.”

Officials said firefighting aviation takes skill, teamwork and support both in the air and on the ground. The airport wished the flight crews and firefighters safe operations as they continue their work on the Bradshaw Fire.