CALIFORNIA, USA — California is now the first U.S. state to deploy a C-130 Hercules air tanker to fight wildfires, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced Monday.
It’s the first of seven to be secured from the United States Coast Guard and Cal Fire will retrofit the air tankers for wildfire-fighting purposes, which includes installing a 4,000-gallon tank and retardant drop system.
Newsom’s office says they’re capable of flying 800 miles with a 4,000-gallon fire retardant payload, so they have the greatest speed and range in Cal Fire’s fleet.
It’s taken years to get to this point with California first securing approval for the aircraft from the Coast Guard in 2018. Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act in December, allowing the transfer from the federal government to the state.
“As wildfire frequency and severity increase across California, 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,” said Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler.
The new C-130Hs will be located at Cal Fire bases throughout the state.
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