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

Firefighter Death

Report: No violations found in death of Conn. firefighter struck by valve

Conn-OSHA said no citations would be issued in the death of Plainville Firefighter Ray Moreau

January 15, 2026 11:27 PM

Structure Fire

Va. firefighters battle massive blaze at closed Georgia-Pacific plywood plant

Strong winds pushed embers into nearby woods and sparked 10 to 12 brush fires up to two miles away as firefighters from multiple departments worked the blaze

January 16, 2026 06:52 AM

 · 

Bill Carey

Arson/Investigation

Minneapolis FD incident report documents Renee Good’s condition upon paramedics’ arrival

The report indicates that Good had four gunshot wounds, and paramedics found her pulse “inconsistent”

January 16, 2026 01:05 AM

Station Design

Kan. FD advances modern fire station upgrades focused on firefighter health and safety

Emporia officials approved a $6.27 million remodel of Fire Station 2, using savings from the new Fire Station 1 project to improve safety, wellness and efficiency without increasing overall costs or raising taxes

January 16, 2026 06:05 AM