Squawk code · special
Squawk 1255: Firefighting aircraft
Squawk 1255 is the US transponder code for aircraft engaged in firefighting operations.
Squawk 1255 marks an aircraft fighting a fire. The FAA's AIM (4-1-20) reserves it for firefighting aircraft not in contact with ATC, so controllers know the target is working inside a fire area, often in a temporary flight restriction.
What 1255 means
Over a large wildfire, dozens of aircraft can work the same patch of sky: air tankers dropping retardant, lead planes guiding them in, helicopters dipping water, and air-attack aircraft orbiting above to coordinate it all. These aircraft talk to each other on fire frequencies managed by an air tactical group supervisor rather than to ATC. Code 1255 tells en-route and approach controllers what they are looking at, so they can route other traffic clear of the fire.
Who squawks 1255
- Large and very large air tankers, including converted airliners and military transports such as the C-130 fitted with retardant systems.
- Single-engine air tankers, typically crop-duster-style turboprops.
- Helicopters with buckets or tanks; see helicopters now.
- Lead planes and air-attack aircraft, often twin turboprops such as the King Air, which circle above the fire.
How 1255 appears on heywhatsflying
In fire season, roughly June to October in the West, you may see clusters of 1255 squawks circling one area on the live map. They fly low and slow with repeated racetrack patterns. Fire areas are usually covered by a temporary flight restriction (TFR) that keeps other aircraft, including drones, out of the way. Please never fly a drone near a wildfire: a single drone sighting can ground every firefighting aircraft.
Good to know
- Not every firefighting aircraft uses 1255. Those working with ATC on a discrete code will show that code instead.
- Some air tankers broadcast ADS-B with recognizable callsigns such as "TANKER" followed by a number.
Related codes: 1277 (search and rescue) and 1200 (VFR). See the full squawk code index.
Questions
What does squawk 1255 mean?
It is the US transponder code for aircraft engaged in firefighting. It tells controllers that the aircraft is working a fire area and coordinating on fire frequencies.
Why do firefighting planes circle?
Air-attack aircraft orbit above a fire to coordinate the operation, and tankers fly repeated patterns to line up drops along the fire line.