Inside CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Aircraft Fleet

As the Los Angeles wildfires continue to challenge firefighters, CAL FIRE’s aerial fleet is working tirelessly to protect lives and property across California. Known as the largest civilian firefighting fleet in the world, CAL FIRE currently fields 67 fixed-wing and rotary aircraft—with plans to expand to 80—to ensure rapid response to wildfire outbreaks within as little as 20 minutes. Many of these aircraft are decades old and rely on meticulous maintenance and specialized modifications to perform their vital roles. Here’s an overview of some of the key assets in CAL FIRE’s airborne arsenal and the roles they play in tackling wildfires:

C-130 Hercules Airtanker
Designed for rapid initial attack, the C-130 Hercules airtanker is one of the large air tankers in CAL FIRE’s fleet. With a retardant payload of 4,000 gallons, a crew of three (pilot, copilot, engineer), and a top speed of 310 knots, this aircraft can remain airborne for up to eight hours. Although the acquisition was initially proposed in 2018, it wasn’t until President Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act in 2023 that seven C-130s from the US Coast Guard could be transferred to California. The fleet is still under modification, but the first unit entered service in August 2024, and its high payload and speed make it perfect for rapid, large-scale fire retardant delivery.

Grumman S-2T Airtankers
CAL FIRE operates a fleet of 23 modified Grumman S-2Ts—aircraft that originally served as carrier-based anti-submarine patrol planes for the US Navy from 1958 to 1975. Converted into agile airtankers by Marsh Aviation, these planes now feature new turboprop engines that make them fast and highly maneuverable. With a single crew member and a retardant capacity of 1,200 gallons, the S-2Ts are tasked with the very first sorties in a wildfire outbreak. Their strategic positioning across California allows them to respond in roughly 20 minutes when an incident occurs, making them an essential element of rapid initial attack.

Rockwell OV-10A ‘Bronco’
The tactical OV-10A Bronco fleet, totaling 16 aircraft, was inherited from the US Navy and Marines. Once converted into air attack platforms, these aircraft now serve in a command and control role during wildfire incidents. With a crew of two—a pilot and an observer who doubles as an Air Attack Officer—the Bronco helps direct slower, less maneuverable large tankers to precise drop locations. Its range of five hours and speed of 250 knots enable it to coordinate the overall aerial firefighting effort, ensuring that the massive tankers can efficiently hit their targets.

Beechcraft King Air 200
CAL FIRE supplements its tactical operations with three Beechcraft King Air 200s, acquired from the US Army. Primarily used as supervisory and training platforms, these agile aircraft excel in low-level flight operations and serve as lead planes for coordinating airtanker drops. Their speed of 290 knots and five-hour endurance make them valuable assets for rapidly assessing fire situations and relaying critical information back to dispatch.

Rotary-Wing Aircraft
Helicopters form a critical part of CAL FIRE’s aerial response, with several models deployed to support diverse operations:

Sikorsky S70i CAL Fire Hawk: With 13 S70i helicopters in service and three more funded for acquisition, the HAWK can transport up to nine personnel and carry a 1,000-gallon retardant load. Operating at 140 knots, these helicopters support direct firefighting efforts, rapid deployment of helitack teams, and complex rescue missions in difficult-to-reach areas.

Bell UH-1H Super Huey: CAL FIRE’s fleet of 12 Super Hueys, modified from their original troop carrier design, are used for rapid response and rescue operations. With a combined retardant capacity (via bucket and fixed tank) of nearly 700 gallons, the Super Hueys have been a workhorse for years, although they are gradually being phased out in favor of the more advanced HAWK models.

Together, these specialized aircraft form the backbone of CAL FIRE’s rapid-response strategy in the face of wildfires. Despite the age of many aircraft, the fleet’s continuous maintenance, technological upgrades, and strategic positioning ensure that CAL FIRE remains ready to protect communities across California from the devastating impacts of wildfires.

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