BROOMFIELD, Colo. -- City officials say they are concerned about the safety of aging planes flying over populated areas so they have decided to ask the U.S. Forest Service and Jefferson County Airport to change flight paths for firefighting air tankers.

The decision Tuesday came five days after an air tanker crashed while fighting the Big Elk Fire, killing two pilots.

Slurry bombers operating from the Forest Service's tanker base at the airport are used to fight fires across the region.

Since firefighting began at the Big Elk Fire near Pinewood Springs July 17, residents have complained of low-flying air tankers over Broomfield, several council members said.

City Councilman Hank Stovall suggested city staff contact the airport to suggest a route over the least-populated area of the city and that the tankers meet minimum height standards after takeoff and on approach.

The city will send letters expressing the concerns to U.S. Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth, Rep. Mark Udall, Sen. Wayne Allard and airport officials.

Superior Mayor Susan Spence has said she is interested in joining Broomfield in the requests, Broomfield Mayor Karen Stuart said. The tankers also fly over Superior.

The letters request information about steps to ensure the air tankers are safe and in good working order.

The Jefferson County Airport is located at the southern edge of Broomfield.

The tanker that crashed last week lost a wing while beginning to dump its slurry load and crashed. A similar accident involving a C130A occurred in California last month, when both wings broke off . The people on board the tanker were killed.

Greybull, Wyo.-based Hawkins & Powers Aviation owned both planes.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating both crashes and is not expected to issue a report on either crash for several months.