California acquires, begins retrofitting seven new C-130 aircraft to expand firefighting fleet
- LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
- Posted On
Following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s efforts to bolster Cal Fire’s firefighting fleet, President Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act which authorized the official transfer of seven C-130H aircraft from the United States Coast Guard to Cal Fire.
This finishes the partnership which was started by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein and continued in recent months by Sen. Alex Padilla and other California leaders.
“We’re putting more planes in the sky and boots on the ground than ever before to protect Californians from the threat of devastating wildfires. These new C-130H aircraft, when they’re modified to fight fires, will significantly boost our capabilities,” said Gov. Newsom.
As part of a comprehensive conversion strategy, Cal Fire will equip each C-130H aircraft with a 4,000-gallon Retardant Delivery System, reflecting a strategic investment to optimize firefighting efficiency.
The first of these aircraft are expected to begin flying in the fall.
Cal Fire plans to strategically deploy five C-130Hs to air attack bases in Chico, Fresno, Paso Robles, Ramona and Sacramento, with two additional aircraft for surge capacity and maintaining response capabilities during mandatory maintenance cycles.