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

Legislation and Funding

Rejected Mich. fire, EMS, police millages put public safety funding at risk

Six communities are heading back to voters after rejected public safety millages left first responders facing potential staffing, equipment and service cuts

August 10, 2026 08:43 AM

Fire-based EMS

Va. city rolls out green-light technology for fire trucks, not ambulances

A new system will give fire trucks priority at intersections, but EMS officials argue the same technology should be used to speed critical patient responses and reduce crash risk

August 09, 2026 06:41 AM

Aviation Incidents, Airports and ARFF

2 pilots killed in Utah wildfire helicopter crash

The Sikorsky Skycrane crashed while battling the Widemouth 2 Fire in Fishlake National Forest, igniting another fire that merged with the existing blaze

August 09, 2026 06:59 AM

FDNY

FDNY probie carries resident to safety from cluttered apartment fire

Probationary FDNY Firefighter Matthew Adams located the occupant despite heavy clutter that delayed crews’ search

August 09, 2026 12:00 PM