CAL FIRE Fresno County Fire celebrates arrival of C-130H

Yesterday, CAL FIRE/Fresno County Fire celebrated the arrival of a new C-130H airtanker. Aircraft like this are used for the rapid delivery of large volumes of fire retardant during wildland fires. Since being assigned to the Fresno Air Attack Base on May 5, it has responded to seven fires, dropping more than 30,000 gallons of retardant. The C-130H can carry up to 4,000 gallons of retardant. Because of its location in the Central Valley and the ability to reach a maximum speed of 386 mph, this aircraft can arrive at any wildfire in the state in an hour or less, making it a vital asset in Fresno County as well as our State. Its strategic placement significantly strengthens our ability to respond quickly and prevent the spread of wildfires across California.