The state of California encompasses a large area of approximately 100 million acres. Within the state’s borders, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as CAL FIRE, serves and safeguards the people and protects the property and resources of California. In order to reach remote fires in the State Responsibility Area, CAL FIRE maintains a fleet of firefighting aircraft, many of which were converted from or originally designed as military aircraft. With more than 60 fixed and rotary wing aircraft, the department has the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet in the world.
1. Grumman S-2T Tracker
Introduced in 1952, the S-2 was the U.S. Navy’s first purpose-built anti-submarine warfare aircraft. A versatile platform, the Tracker was developed into the E-2 Tracer, the Navy’s first purpose-built airborne early warning aircraft. While the S-2 and E-2 saw extensive use until the mid-1970s, the C-1 Trader carrier onboard delivery variant remained in service until the mid-1980s. In 1996, CAL FIRE acquired 26 S-2E/G planes from the Federal Excess Personal Property program, which were subsequently converted by Marsh Aviation. In addition to firefighting equipment like the internal tank, which holds 1,200 gallons of long-term fire retardant, the conversion included modern, powerful turboprop engines. CAL FIRE’s S-2Ts are used for rapid initial attack delivery of fire retardant on fires. These air tankers are strategically located throughout California and can respond to the most remote State Responsibility Areas within approximately 20 minutes.
2. Bell UH-1H Super Huey
Entering service with the U.S. Army as the UH-1 Iroquois in 1959, the helicopter quickly earned the nickname “Huey” and became synonymous with the Vietnam War. Designed as a utility helicopter, the Huey served in a variety of roles, including troop transport, MEDEVAC, and even close air support as a gunship. The Huey even served as the platform for the AH-1 Cobra gunship which went on to be used in firefighting operations. While the Huey was retired from service with the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Marine Corps continues to fly the upgraded UH-1Y Venom, also known as the Super Huey. CAL FIRE acquired 12 UH-1F helicopters through the Federal Excess Personal Property program in 1981 but replaced them nine years later with the modified UH-1H Super Huey. The helicopter’s primary mission is responding to initial attack wildfires and rescue missions. When responding to wildfires, the Super Huey can quickly
deliver a 9-person Helitack Crew for ground firefighting operations and quickly transition into water/foam-dropping missions. With a sling load bucket, the UH-1H has a payload of 324 gallons of water/foam. Using a fixed tank increases the payload to 360 gallons of water/foam with pilot-controlled drop volumes.
3. Sikorsky S-70i FIREHAWK
Sikorsky developed the S-70 in the 1970s to replace the UH-1 Iroquois as the U.S. Army’s medium-lift utility helicopter. It entered Army service as the UH-60 Black Hawk in 1979 and was also adopted by the U.S. Air Force and Navy in service-specific variants. A versatile platform, Sikorsky marketed the S-70 to civilian agencies; it has been adapted for different missions including law enforcement, search and rescue, and VIP transport. In 2018, CAL FIRE received approval from Governor Gavin Newsom to purchase up to 12 S-70i helicopters from United Rotorcraft and replace the fleet’s 12 Super Hueys. Additional funding was later approved to purchase an additional four FIREHAWKs. With a payload of 1,000 gallons of water/foam and an external hoist, the S-70i’s primary mission is responding to initial attack wildfires and rescue missions. It can also carry and deliver a 9-person Helitack Crew for ground firefighting operations and quickly transition into water/foam dropping missions.
4. North American OV-10A/D Bronco
The OV-10 was developed in the 1960s to serve as a light attack and observation aircraft. Powered by two turboprop engines, the Bronco excels in counter-insurgency operations and as a forward air control aircraft. Capable of long loiter times, the OV-10 replaced older and slower observation aircraft like the Cessna O-1 Bird Dog and Cessna O-2 Skymaster. Flown by the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, the Bronco served from the Vietnam War through to the fight against ISIS in Iraq. In 1993, CAL FIRE acquired 15 OV-10As from the Federal Excess Personal Property program. These Broncos were converted to air attack platforms and replaced the department’s Cessna O-2As. In 2009, CAL FIRE also acquired three OV-10Ds, one of which was converted and is in use. Another four OV-10s were acquired from NASA in 2022. The Bronco serves as the primary command and control platform for aerial missions. The air attack officer, a highly trained and experienced fire officer, coordinates with the incident commander on the ground, providing a unique aerial perspective on fire conditions, anticipated resource needs, and potential threats to life and property.
5. Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules
The venerable C-130 is an icon of military transportation. Having entered U.S. military service in 1956, the Hercules has been upgraded over generations and continues to serve as the military’s primary tactical airlift platform. In July 2018, California received approval to acquire seven C-130H planes from the U.S. Coast Guard. The transfer was approved by Congress with the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act in December 2023 and signed into law by President Biden the same month. CAL FIRE uses the Hercules, with its payload of 4,000 gallons of long-term fire retardant, for rapid initial attack delivery of fire retardant on wildfires. The first C-130H was put into service at McClellan Airtanker Base on Monday, August 26, 2024.