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

September 11, 2001

ESPN documentary honors youngest FDNY firefighter killed on 9/11

“Living On: The Michael Cammarata Story” traces the life of the youngest FDNY firefighter killed on Sept. 11, from the Little League World Series to the fire service

August 21, 2026 07:57 AM

Legislation and Funding

Bipartisan wildfire bill gains momentum with White House backing

The Fix Our Forests Act would expand forest management, prescribed burns and wildfire mitigation projects as the U.S. faces an above-average fire season

August 21, 2026 06:30 AM

Community Risk Reduction

New Miss. fire district lowers rating, cuts homeowners’ insurance costs

Lee County’s Northridge fire rating improved from Class 10 to Class 7, a change officials say could reduce homeowners’ insurance premiums by 25% to 30%

August 21, 2026 06:15 AM

Photo of the Week

Photo of the Week: Construction company helps with Calif. firefighter training

Visalia firefighters used a commercial building slated for demolition to practice ventilation operations and sharpen skills in a realistic training environment

August 21, 2026 06:00 AM

 · 

FireRescue1 Staff