RAMONA, Calif. — California is now better equipped to fight wildfires as Cal Fire just added a new air tanker to its fleet.
The C-130 Hercules is one of seven the state is retrofitting and deploying to help support firefighting efforts. They have the greatest speed and range of Cal Fire's entire airborne fleet.
The seven aircraft will be based throughout the state, including one in Ramona.
Cal Fire already had the world's largest aerial fleet. This addition now enhances those efforts even more.
"Just by the speed and the amount of retardant these planes can carry, it's going to help tremendously,” said Brent Pascua, a battalion chief with Cal Fire.
Pascua says the C-130H can fly 800 miles and is capable of dropping 4,000 gallons of fire retardant, more than any other aircraft in their fleet.
They were initially used by the United States Coast Guard. In 2018, California got approval to acquire seven of them, but years of delays got in the way.
Then, in December of 2023, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, allowing the transfer of aircraft from the Federal government to California.
Since then, Cal Fire has spent $6.5 million apiece retrofitting each plane.
The first was put into service Monday at the McClellan Airforce Base in Sacramento County.
Over the next several months, the remaining six will be deployed, including one to the Ramona Air Attack Base in early 2025.
“It's very exciting to have one here in San Diego. We've strategically placed them so that we can make it to any remote part of the state that may have a fire within 20 minutes," said Pascua.
California is now the first state in the United States to own, operate, and deploy the C-130H to fight wildfires.
Cal Fire leaders say as wildfire frequency and severity increase, this aircraft will play a crucial role in helping achieve their initial attack goals, specifically keeping 95% of fires at 10 acres or less.
"I think the most important thing to remember is the potential is always there. So, to have these tools is just great. It's a great addition. And so, we can try to get back to having those slow fire years," said Pascua.
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