California adds fourth C-130 tanker, opens new air base to combat wildfires

California is significantly bolstering its wildfire response capabilities with the addition of a fourth C-130 Hercules air tanker and the inauguration of a new specialized air base, Governor Gavin Newsom announced. This expansion comes as the state braces for a warmer and drier wildfire season.

The newly operational C-130H air tanker officially joins California's aerial firefighting system. The state is developing what officials tout as the world's largest civilian fleet dedicated to combating wildfires. This latest addition is part of a broader initiative aiming to operate a total of seven C-130H aircraft across the state. Each aircraft is equipped to carry and deploy up to 4,000 gallons of fire retardant, enabling rapid attacks on fast-spreading blazes and supporting ground crews.

Governor Newsom highlighted that the expansion of aerial capacity is a key component of the state's investment strategy to enhance protection for communities and natural resources against increasingly destructive fires. The C-130H's ability to transport large volumes of retardant is crucial for containing fires effectively.

Alongside the new air tanker, California has also opened its eleventh Helitack base, operated by CAL FIRE, the state's forest protection and firefighting agency. This new facility, located at Ramona Airport in San Diego County, will permanently house a Sikorsky S70i Fire Hawk helicopter and specialized crews. This strategic placement aims to improve coverage in Southern California and expedite regional deployments, further strengthening the state's readiness to combat wildfires.