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

NIOSH

NIOSH seeks firefighter input on LODD, serious injury investigations

A national survey will help NIOSH improve how human factors are evaluated in firefighter line-of-duty death and serious injury investigations

July 21, 2026 04:43 PM

 · 

Bill Carey

Labor and Union Issues

‘Extraordinarily frivolous': Union leader calls attention to bug zapper videos in Fla. FF firings, suspensions

Three St. Lucie County firefighters were fired and two suspended after alleged hazing incidents while police found no criminal conduct

July 23, 2026 10:01 AM

 · 

Bill Carey

Community Risk Reduction

National Night Out: A first responder’s guide to strengthening community support

How fire and EMS agencies can take part in National Night Out to build relationships, promote safety and recruit the next generation

July 22, 2026 08:13 AM

 · 

Bill Carey

Health & Wellness

Therapy dog brings comfort and stress relief to Iowa fire, EMS crews

Kooper visits Sioux City fire stations to help firefighters and paramedics cope with job stress, traumatic calls and burnout through simple interactions and companionship

July 22, 2026 08:28 AM