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 a Junior Editor at Voyageur Group, having joined in 2024. She writes for ITIJ and AirMed&Rescue, 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.