Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that Cal Fire‘s fourth C-130 Hercules airtanker and 11th Helitack base are operational at the recently upgraded Ramona airport.
In 2024, California became the first state in the nation to own and operate its own fleet of the large, four-engine airtankers, with a total of seven planned.
“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,” Newsom said.
The Hercules is capable of dropping up to 4,000 gallons of fire retardant to aggressively fight fast-moving blazes, according to a statement from Newsom’s office.
Established in 1957, Ramona is the oldest fire-fighting base in Cal Fire’s system, and recently completed a $12 million upgrade to become a Helitack base with a new S70i Fire Hawk helicopter and crew.
“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,” said Cal Fire Director Joe Tyler. “It is their unwavering commitment to service and seamless teamwork that ensures we are ready to keep Californians safe ahead of peak fire season.”
Cal Fire’s Ramona base is now home a total of five firefighting aircraft
