Expanding California’s Aerial Firefighting Fleet
October 21, 2026 – CAL FIRE officials announce the expansion of California’s aerial firefighting fleet with its fifth C-130H airtanker.
Wildfire readiness means having the right resources positioned and ready to respond when a fire starts.
CAL FIRE is putting its fifth C-130H airtanker into service, strengthening our ability to respond to wildfires and help protect lives, homes, communities and California’s natural resources. This is another major step forward toward a planned fleet of seven large-capacity aircraft.
California is the first state in the nation to own, operate, and maintain C-130H airtankers for wildfire suppression. Each aircraft can carry up to 4,000 gallons of fire retardant and is designed to support rapid initial attack on wildland fires.
With the deployment of the fifth C130H, CAL FIRE’s Paso Robles Air Attack Base in San Luis Obispo County will be adding a C-130 airtanker to its ramp. This strategic placement will further enhance rapid-response capabilities for the region and across California.
Want to see where our aircraft are flying? Check out CAL FIRE’s flight tracker and the free AwareCA app to follow aircraft activity, view wildfire incidents and access emergency information.
CAL FIRE Announces Second of Seven C-130 Hercules Airtanker is Ready for Action (Video)
Source & photo: CAL FIRE
