Golden State Today

Governor Newsom has led efforts to acquire and retrofit C-130 Hercules aircraft for CAL FIRE’s fleet. Today, the first plane will begin flying missions to enhance protection against wildfires in California.

SACRAMENTO – California is the first state in the nation to own, operate, and deploy a C-130 Hercules airtanker to combat wildfires and safeguard communities. This marks the deployment of the first of seven aircraft that the state is retrofitting.

The C-130H can fly 800 miles with a payload of 4,000 gallons of fire retardant, making it the fastest and most far-reaching asset in CAL FIRE’s airborne fleet.

"The climate crisis has made wildfires more destructive, and we need to match these threats with new resources. This aircraft will beef up CAL FIRE’s ability to hit fires earlier and harder, better protecting Californians," said Governor Gavin Newsom. "It’s part of our overall strategy that adds more boots on the ground and state-of-the-art technologies to CAL FIRE’s world-leading capabilities, along with our huge ramp-up in forest management."

Governor Gavin Newsom collaborated with U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, and Representative Ken Calvert on this initiative. Their goal was to expedite the deployment of these aircraft for firefighting operations in California.

"With the completed transfer of federal airtankers to Cal Fire, we are equipping California’s firefighters with significant new capabilities to protect our communities and save lives," said Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA). "Since entering the Senate, I’ve made pushing the Air Force to complete this transfer a top priority, and I passed legislation to get it done as quickly as possible. Now, California will be able to respond to wildfires more quickly and effectively as we face drier conditions and increasingly devastating fires."

The process began in 2018 when California secured approval from the United States Coast Guard to acquire seven C-130H aircraft. Following delays, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on December 14, 2023, enabling their transfer from federal ownership so that CAL FIRE could complete their retrofitting.

"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 United States Air Force and Coast Guard were instrumental in maintaining these aircraft by replacing wing boxes and providing essential spare parts. At CAL FIRE's Aviation Management Unit, significant modifications were made including installing a 4,000-gallon tank and a specialized retardant delivery system (RDS).

California already boasts one of the largest aerial firefighting fleets globally. The new C-130Hs will be strategically positioned throughout state bases for rapid deployment alongside helicopters, other aircrafts, and firefighters.