Last week, CAL FIRE announced that the second of our seven C-130H airtanker conversions was ready for action–adding to the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet in the world. 💪 The fleet is positioned across California to reach the most remote areas of the state in 20 minutes or less. Our C-130H air tankers are a powerful firefighting tool, delivering 4,000 gallons of fire retardant per flight. The five CAL FIRE airbases that will be home to C-130H’s are: Ramona, Paso Robles, Fresno, McClella

Meet the C-130H airtanker. The first of seven of these aircraft goes into service today at McClellan Airtanker Base in Sacramento. Previously part of the United States Coast Guard fleet, these aircraft are being transformed to enhance our already powerful aerial response to wildland fires; protecting communities and natural resources throughout California. Capable of delivering 4,000 gallons of retardant in a single flight, these airtankers will add to our capabilities in pursuit of keeping 95%

With the transfer of ownership of the seven C-130H’s complete, further retrofitting of the aircraft has begun. The C-130H’s will be used for rapid initial attack delivery of fire retardant on wildland fires. These airtankers will provide additional support to CAL FIRE’s existing air fleet. The comprehensive strategy implemented during the transfer process underscores California's unwavering commitment to the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the newly acquired C-130H air tankers in a