Meet CAL FIRE’s Aerial Heroes: The Aircraft Fleet Battling California’s Wildfires

Friday, January 17, 2025

As California faces another week of relentless wildfires near Los Angeles, the spotlight shines on the heroes battling the blazes.

While ground crews wage an arduous fight, CAL FIRE’s aerial fleet plays a critical role in containing and controlling the infernos from above.

These specialised aircraft drop thousands of gallons of water and retardant, serving as a lifeline in the state’s wildfire defence strategy.

With 67 fixed-wing and rotary aircraft—the largest civilian firefighting fleet in the world—CAL FIRE is a global leader in aerial wildfire response.

Positioned strategically across California, the fleet enables response times of under 20 minutes. Here’s a closer look at the aircraft saving lives and land.

C-130 Hercules Air-tanker
Number in Fleet: 2 (+5 in modification)
Role: Large Air Tanker
Retardant Payload: 4,000 gallons
Speed: 310 knots
Endurance: 8 hours
These colossal aircraft, transferred from the US Coast Guard and refitted for firefighting, excel in rapid delivery of retardant. With their impressive payloads and speed, they are invaluable for initial attacks on wildfires. The first C-130 entered service in August 2024, with more joining soon.

Grumman S-2T Airtanker
Number in Fleet: 23
Role: Airtanker
Retardant Payload: 1,200 gallons
Speed: 235 knots
Endurance: 4.5 hours

Originally designed for anti-submarine warfare, these aircraft were transformed into agile firefighting machines.

Their speed and manoeuvrability allow them to respond swiftly, often within 20 minutes of a fire report.

Rockwell OV-10A Bronco
Number in Fleet: 16
Role: Tactical Aircraft
Crew: 2 (pilot, observer)
Speed: 250 knots
Endurance: 5 hours
These tactical planes serve as command centers in the sky, coordinating aerial operations. Equipped with experienced Air Attack Officers, they direct tankers to precise drop locations, ensuring accuracy in combating fires.

Beechcraft King Air 200
Number in Fleet: 3
Role: Tactical Aircraft
Speed: 290 knots
Endurance: 5 hours
Used primarily for training and supervisory roles, these versatile aircraft support CAL FIRE’s operational readiness and coordination efforts.

Sikorsky S-70i CAL FIRE Hawk
Number in Fleet: 13 (3 more funded)
Role: Helicopter
Retardant Payload: 1,000 gallons
Speed: 140 knots
Endurance: 2.5 hours
This multi-mission helicopter excels in firefighting, rescue missions, and helitack crew deployment. Its large capacity and advanced capabilities make it a cornerstone of CAL FIRE’s operations.

Bell UH-1H Super Huey
Number in Fleet: 12
Role: Helicopter
Retardant Payload: 324 gallons (bucket) + 360 gallons (fixed tank)
Speed: 110 knots
Endurance: 2 hours

Acquired in 1981, these modified helicopters are reliable for transporting crews and conducting rescues.

Though being gradually replaced by the S-70i, the Super Hueys remain an essential part of CAL FIRE’s fleet.

As wildfires grow more frequent and intense, CAL FIRE’s aircraft continue to stand at the forefront of California’s firefighting efforts, proving that innovation and dedication can make a lifesaving difference in the battle against nature’s fury.