CA Fire Adds 4,000-Gallon C-130 Tanker

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California bolstered its firefighting muscle with a second C-130 Hercules airtanker, strengthening what's already the world's largest aerial firefighting fleet.

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Tanker 121, a former Coast Guard aircraft, underwent a $6.5 million transformation into a specialized firefighting machine capable of dropping 4,000 gallons of retardant in under five seconds.

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The first C-130 proved its worth by flying 90 missions, responding to 36 fires, and dropping over 253,000 gallons of retardant since its deployment last August.

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With speeds up to 368 mph and an 800-mile range, these C-130s can reach most California locations within 20 minutes, providing critical support to ground crews in remote areas.

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Five more C-130Hs will join the fleet by 2027, strategically positioned at bases across California including Sacramento, Fresno, Ramona, Chico, and Paso Robles.

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CAL FIRE pilots train on the nation's only fire department-owned C-130H simulator, preparing them for the specific challenges of aerial firefighting missions.

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While these aircraft enhance suppression capabilities, California has also ramped up prevention efforts, treating nearly 2 million acres - ten times the amount from when Governor Newsom took office.

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"One of the most devastating wildfires in our state just a few months ago underscores the urgency of continuing to make additional progress," Governor Newsom emphasized.

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