California Receiving More C-130s to Fight Wildfires

The versatile aircraft will serve as fire tankers.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 07:26 PM ET

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Seven C-130s from the U.S. Coast Guard will be converted for use by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. [Courtesy: U.S. Coast Guard/PA2 Barry Lane]

Key Takeaways:

California is enhancing its wildfire fighting capabilities by acquiring seven C-130H Hercules aircraft.
These planes are being transferred from the U.S. Coast Guard to Cal Fire, will be retrofitted with 4,000-gallon fire retardant tanks, and are expected to be operational by fall.
The acquisition continues a tradition of converting versatile military aircraft for firefighting missions in California.

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California state officials are preparing for wildfire season by acquiring and retrofitting seven C-130s. President Joe Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act that authorized the transfer of the seven Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules aircraft from the U.S. Coast Guard to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

According to Cal Fire, once the transfer of ownership is completed, 4,000-gallon internal tanks capable of holding fire retardant will be installed on the aircraft. Cal Fire expects to have the aircraft on the line and in use by fall.