I was lucky enough to get a tour around this air tanker facility at the north-western end of Colorado.

All the aircraft were, as you'd expect, immaculately looked after by the ground crew and pilots.

I was given a thorough look around the inside of one of the Neptunes by to co-pilot which was completely unexpected.

I was most surprised to find that the jet engines on the Neptune's were still used - for take off, climb and departure after drop. These basic engines run on avgas, and the pilots say they would never fly without them.

Thanks to the Base Commander, Air Tanker 06's co-pilot and the employee that drove me around in a golf cart - I lost my notepad so I have no names!