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

Off Duty

Off-duty Ala. fire lieutenant saves man during YMCA cardiac arrest

Montgomery Fire/Rescue Lt. Demetrius Gilmore was playing pickleball when he helped perform CPR and use an AED on a man in cardiac arrest

June 19, 2026 02:00 PM

 · 

Bill Carey

Wildfire and Wildland-Urban Interface

Ore. city’s wildfire strategy becomes national model

Ashland’s partnership with federal agencies, nonprofits and tribal leaders has treated thousands of acres, reduced wildfire risk and drawn national attention

June 20, 2026 08:00 AM

Fire Service Awards

CAL FIRE firefighters earn Medal of Valor for lifesaving rescues

Four CAL FIRE personnel from San Luis Obispo County received California’s highest state employee honor for rescuing burn victims and stranded flood victims

June 20, 2026 12:00 PM

Legislation and Funding

Wash. voters to decide on third fire station levy

A proposed levy would fund a new Longview fire station, helping reduce response times to underserved areas

June 21, 2026 08:00 AM