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Scott Graf

Graf comes to BSPR from WFAE in Charlotte, N.C., where he served as local host of NPR’s “Morning Edition” for the past eight years. He began his new position as Morning Edition Host/Senior Editor for BSPR on April 9.

Graf is a multi-award winning host and reporter who was named the North Carolina Journalist of the Year in 2007. He has produced several feature stories for NPR news magazines and he contributes to WBUR’s “Only a Game” sports program.

Around the Nation
6:55 am
Sun July 1, 2012

Firefighting Planes Battle Wildfires And Old Age

Credit David McNew / Getty Images
A firefighting air tanker drops fire retardant on the Tea Fire in Montecito, Calif. in 2008. In 2000, The U.S. Forest Service had contracts for 43 air tankers. These days, that number is only nine.
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Originally published on Sun July 1, 2012 11:05 am

As wildfires continue to burn in the West, the U.S. Forest Service is going to battle this summer with fewer air tankers. The number of planes that drop retardant on fires has shrunk significantly over the past 12 years.

In Boise, Idaho, the shortage of air tankers has led to some unexpected repurposing of aircraft.

"This particular aircraft was used as Air Force One at one point," explains pilot Lyle Ehalt, standing next to his shiny white-and-green tanker at the Boise Airport.

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