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

Recruitment and Retention

‘Lights, camera, action!': 5 types of fire service recruitment videos

There are several ways to approach your recruitment efforts; which is the best option for your department?

May 22, 2026 02:44 PM

 · 

Rachel Engel

Technical Rescue

Calif. firefighters rescue woman impaled on fence after fleeing from EMS crew

Fresno firefighters rescued a woman whose leg was impaled on a wrought iron fence after she ran from an ambulance

May 22, 2026 06:52 AM

Legislation and Funding

N.Y. legislators pass tax credit increase for volunteer firefighters, EMS

The bill would raise state income tax credits for active volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members and allow them to receive local property tax exemptions

May 23, 2026 08:00 AM

Legal Issues

N.C. city spent more than $1M fighting firefighter discrimination lawsuits

Records show Charlotte used mostly taxpayer-funded accounts to pay legal fees and settlements tied to race discrimination claims

May 23, 2026 12:00 PM