Sacramento, California – California is moving deeper into wildfire season with more aircraft in the sky, more crews on the ground, and a larger emergency response network ready to move when flames begin to spread.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state’s fourth C-130 Hercules airtanker has now entered active service, marking another major step in California’s effort to build the world’s largest civilian aerial firefighting fleet. At the same time, the state is opening its 11th CAL FIRE Helitack base at Ramona Airport in San Diego County, where a Sikorsky S70i Fire Hawk helicopter and crew will be stationed for fast wildfire response.
Both additions place new firepower at one of CAL FIRE’s most important aviation locations. Ramona Air Attack Base, established in 1957, is the oldest air attack base in the department’s system. With the new resources, its permanent fleet will grow to five aircraft, giving crews more flexibility to respond not only across San Diego County, but anywhere in California when conditions demand it.
“The addition of this fourth C-130 Hercules airtanker to our world-class fleet, combined with the historic establishment of our 11th Helitack base, significantly enhances the rapid, aggressive response needed to save lives and protect our natural resources. California is making the investment into the key resources that help protect our communities from catastrophic wildfire,” Governor Gavin Newsom said.
The newly deployed C-130H can drop up to 4,000 gallons of fire retardant, giving firefighters a powerful tool against fast-moving fires. It is the fourth aircraft completed out of a planned fleet of seven. California became the first state in the nation to own, operate, and deploy its own C-130H airtankers in 2024, following years of work to secure and retrofit the planes.
The path began in 2018, when California received approval to acquire seven C-130 aircraft from the Coast Guard. In late 2023, President Joe Biden signed legislation transferring ownership of the aircraft to the state, allowing CAL FIRE to move forward with the conversion work needed for wildfire missions.
The new Helitack base adds another layer to that response system. After intensive real-world training, the permanent crew and Fire Hawk helicopter will strengthen both regional and statewide operations. The aircraft can support water drops, crew transport, rescue operations, and quick attack missions in difficult terrain.
“This milestone is about much more than adding advanced aircraft to our fleet; it is a testament to the dedicated people who make our mission possible,” said CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler.
“Success in the air always begins on the ground. The pilots, mechanics, and support crews working side-by-side behind the scenes have put in months of intensive preparation to stand up this base. It is their unwavering commitment to service and seamless teamwork that ensures we are ready to keep Californians safe ahead of peak fire season.”
California is also relying on technology to sharpen its wildfire response. The state has invested in drones, aircraft, satellites, advanced mapping, and camera systems. ALERTCalifornia, developed through a partnership with UC San Diego, uses more than a thousand cameras across the state and has detected more than 900 fires on state lands before 911 calls were made. The Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System, known as FIRIS, has flown more than 2,000 missions since 2019, providing real-time mapping and intelligence. The state has also launched LiDAR mapping to better understand vegetation, fuel loads, and wildfire risk.
Read also: Sacramento man arrested after police link antisemitic vandalism to intimidation campaign on U Street
Since 2019, the Newsom administration and the Legislature have invested more than $5 billion in wildfire and forest resilience. That includes funding for prevention projects, forest management, new technology, and expanded staffing. CAL FIRE has added an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal positions each year over the past five years, with thousands more firefighters, resource professionals, and support workers expected to be hired in the years ahead.
As peak fire conditions approach, officials are urging residents to prepare before smoke appears on the horizon. CAL FIRE is encouraging Californians to make an evacuation plan, pack a go bag, and sign up for local emergency alerts. More preparedness information is available at ReadyforWildfire.org.