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

September 11, 2001

‘This has never been about us’: Chief Terry Shaffer on preserving the Flight 93 story

As firsthand witnesses grow fewer, the retired Shanksville fire chief considers what “Never Forget” means for those with no personal memory of 9/11

August 18, 2026 06:38 PM

Leadership

Texas firefighters vote no confidence in fire chief amid EMS shift

Grapevine firefighters cited concerns over staffing, fire response capabilities, communication and morale after department changes replaced an engine with an EMS-focused squad

August 19, 2026 07:11 AM

Recruitment and Retention

Md. counties face growing pressure to fund paramedics, EMTs

Rising EMS staffing costs, declining volunteer ranks and reduced state support are squeezing county budgets as communities work to recruit and retain paramedics and EMTs

August 20, 2026 07:35 AM

Education & Training

Calif. city opens regional public safety training center

The Paso Robles facility provides live-fire, rescue, EMS and law enforcement training while giving regional agencies a place to train together for major incidents

August 18, 2026 08:09 AM