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

Line-of-Duty Death (LODD)

Pilot killed in crash while battling Colo. wildfire

The pilot’s body was recovered from Silver Jack Reservoir after an aircraft supporting the Gold Mountain fire crashed near Ouray

July 13, 2026 09:14 AM

Search and Rescue

Dallas crews rescue woman trapped in sewage-filled ravine for days

First responders rescued a woman suffering from dehydration and heat exposure after she was trapped for several days in a sewage-filled ravine

July 12, 2026 08:00 AM

Fire Department Management

Idaho fire districts consider merger to address growth, staffing

Kuna Rural Fire District and Nampa Fire Protection District are exploring a consolidation that would expand staffing and improve coverage

July 12, 2026 12:00 PM

Fire Safety Codes

‘The process isn’t simple': Mass. officials continue push for code changes after state’s deadliest blaze in over 40 years

One year after 10 people died in the Gabriel House fire, Fall River firefighters are seeking national and state code changes to require inspections for recalled sprinkler heads

July 13, 2026 07:45 AM