Watch: CAL FIRE’s new C-130 tanker responds to first fire

By David Caraccio
Merced Sun-Star

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. — A new video shows the first fully operational C-130H delivering 8,000 gallons of retardant on the Record Fire in Riverside County, marking its inaugural firefighting mission over the weekend.

Tanker 122 has joined the fleet of the state’s firefighting agency, CAL FIRE.

“This marks an historic milestone in the agency’s ongoing commitment to CA!” Cal Fire chief Joe Tylor said on X.

California officials waited more than five years to get the first of several military aircraft they were promised by the federal government to help fight fires across the state.

(c)2024 the Merced Sun-Star (Merced, Calif.)
Visit the Merced Sun-Star (Merced, Calif.) at www.mercedsunstar.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Trending

Fire Safety Codes

Fire reveals illegal apartments inside historic Wash. theater

After a rooftop fire knocked out power at Tacoma’s Temple Theatre, city inspectors discovered unpermitted apartments inside the historic building

June 18, 2026 08:00 AM

Fire Chief

‘Trade secrets’ limit Ohio first responders’ access to Amazon data center power plant plans

The Norwich Township chief says a state law fast-tracking private power projects has left first responders without access to critical planning information for a new fuel-cell facility serving an Amazon data center

June 18, 2026 07:35 AM

Legal Issues

Skeletal remains found inside Conn. house weeks after FFs responded to alarm

Burlington firefighters responded to a sounding alarm at a foreclosed home, but crews reported no visible smoke or fire and did not force entry

June 18, 2026 08:23 AM

Hazards and Hazmat

LAFD crews battle warehouse fire involving solar panels, ammonia leak

Crews were ordered out of the facility after flames reached an ammonia line, causing the chemical to begin off-gassing

June 17, 2026 11:55 PM