California has officially become the first U.S. state to own and deploy a C-130H Hercules airtanker for fighting wildfires.
This aircraft, which is part of a larger fleet of seven secured through federal efforts, is equipped with advanced firefighting capabilities, including a 4,000-gallon capacity for fire retardant and the ability to fly 800 miles.
As reported by the Padilla Press Office, these aircraft were obtained through legislation passed by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and others, enabling California to operate these military-grade planes.
The first C-130H is now fully operational as part of CAL FIRE’s fleet.
The acquisition of the C-130H airtankers followed years of legislative work initiated by the late Senator Dianne Feinstein and continued by Senator Alex Padilla.
In 2021, Senator Padilla and Senator Feinstein urged the Air Force to speed up the retrofitting process, leading to the eventual passage of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024, which officially transferred ownership of the planes to California.
Governor Gavin Newsom praised the aircraft’s role in expanding CAL FIRE’s ability to combat wildfires: “This aircraft will beef up CAL FIRE’s ability to hit fires earlier and harder, better protecting Californians.”
The introduction of the C-130H airtankers complements CAL FIRE’s existing aerial firefighting resources.
The aircraft, stationed at CAL FIRE bases across California, will be ready to mobilize quickly when wildfires strike.
CAL FIRE Chief Joe Tyler emphasized the importance of this addition: “The introduction of this aircraft will undoubtedly play a crucial role in helping us achieve our initial attack goals, particularly in our efforts to keep 95% of fires at 10 acres or less.”
The C-130H airtankers have undergone extensive modifications to adapt them for firefighting missions.
Originally maintained by the United States Air Force and the United States Coast Guard, these aircraft received new inner and outer wing boxes and essential spare parts before being further retrofitted by CAL FIRE.
At CAL FIRE’s Aviation Management Unit, the planes were fitted with a 4,000-gallon tank and a specialized retardant delivery system (RDS) to enhance their firefighting capabilities.
California has deployed its first C-130H Hercules airtanker to join CAL FIRE’s fleet, marking the state as the first in the nation to own and operate this type of aircraft for firefighting.
This follows years of federal and state collaboration led by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and other lawmakers to secure these military aircraft for wildfire prevention.
The C-130H, which can carry up to 4,000 gallons of fire retardant and fly 800 miles, is now operational, helping CAL FIRE protect California from increasing wildfire threats.
Modifications and retrofitting efforts by the United States Air Force, Coast Guard, and CAL FIRE have prepared these aircraft for service.
