CAL FIRE's Tanker 122, our first fully operational C-130H, has successfully completed its inaugural firefighting mission! This aircraft delivered 8000 gallons of retardant on the Record Fire in Riverside County, marking a major milestone in our mission to protect California. With its 4,000-gallon tank and cutting-edge retardant delivery system, the C-130H will help provide the crucial support our ground crews need to contain wildfires, protecting communities across the state. The addition of thi

117K views · 2.6K reactions | A rare look inside a #CALFIRE S-2 tanker, which can carry a payload of up to 1,200 gallons of retardant. Pilot Dale Dahl explains how pilots can adjust coverage levels of retardant delivered, depending on fuel type on a wildfire. | CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire | Facebook

Fighting wildfires from the air takes precise coordination and expertise. Orchestrating this aerial ballet of tankers, helicopters, and intel aircraft are the Air Tactical Group Supervisors (ATGS). Trainees for this vital role learn the ropes at California Aerial Supervision Academy (CASA), which recently concluded. The two-week intensive training, sponsored by CAL FIRE and held jointly with the U.S. Forest Service, included a week of classroom learning, flight simulator sessions, and orientatio