CAL FIRE has deployed its second C-130H airtanker
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has announced the second of seven C-130H airtankers is now ready, enhancing the state’s aerial firefighting force
CAL FIRE Chief Joe Tyler and California Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that the second of seven C-130H airtankers is now mission-ready, further strengthening the state’s civilian aerial firefighting fleet.
This new addition will be stationed at the Fresno Air Attack Base, a key location that enables rapid deployment across central California and beyond.
The C-130H can deliver up to 4,000gal of fire retardant per drop and flies at an operating speed of 368mph.
CAL FIRE’s first C-130 airtanker, Tanker 122, entered service in August 2024. Since then, it has supported 36 wildfire responses and dropped more than 253,000gal of retardant.
AirMed&Rescue recently spoke with frontline operators and tech innovators to uncover how aerial firefighting teams locate and rescue people trapped in raging wildfires.
Chloe Fox
Chloe Fox is an Senior Editorial Assistant for Voyageur Group, joining in 2024. She writes for AirMed&Rescue and ITIJ, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision, and air medical transportation. Chloe holds a BA (Hons) in English and an MA in English Literature from the University of Bristol.