Cal Fire has taken a huge step forward in adding a second C-130H Hercules aircraft to its fleet of firefighting tools. This second C-130 is part of what will be a seven member squad of the giant aircraft that will battle fires across the State. The upcoming fire season is expected to be very dry, after an above average rainy Winter.
The California Forestry Association applauded this critical milestone in expanding Fire suppression efforts up and down the Golden State. The effort to secure this latest acquisition was made possible by bipartisan support in Congress and the Governor’s office at the State level, this past Monday.
The retrofitted aircraft is capable of dropping 4,000 gallons of fire retardant in less than five seconds.
Also assisting in this enhancement of C-130 Hercules aircraft includes the United States Air Force and the United States Coast Guard in support in maintaining these aircraft, including the replacement of inner and outer wing boxes and spare parts.
Gov. Gavin Newsom was on hand at Cal Fire Aviation Headquarters in praising the acquisition of the C-130Hs air tankers and expansion of aerial firefighting including night-time capable Fire Hawk helicopters, touted California has the largest fleet of firefighting aircraft on the globe.