California’s Aerial Arsenal: Fighting Wildfires from Above

In the face of relentless wildfires, California employs one of the most sophisticated aerial firefighting fleets in the world to combat the destructive flames threatening lives, property, and natural habitats. Coordinated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), these aircraft play a vital role in the state’s wildfire response.

Aerial Tactics: The Backbone of Wildfire Response
Cal Fire operates a robust fleet of over 60 aircraft stationed across 14 airfields and 11 helicopter bases. This fleet is structured into three primary components: tactical planes, airtankers, and helicopters. Each serves a specialised function, working in unison with ground crews to combat the fires.

Tactical Aircraft
North American Rockwell OV-10 Broncos dominate Cal Fire’s tactical fleet, serving as aerial command and control units. These planes fly high above the fire zones, coordinating efforts between air tankers, helicopters, and ground teams. Capable of remaining airborne for hours, OV-10s guide larger aircraft into precise drop zones to maximise efficiency.

Airtankers
The Grumman S-2T is the workhorse of Cal Fire’s fleet, carrying approximately 4,500 litres of fire retardant. These nimble planes are particularly effective in the initial stages of a fire, rapidly deploying retardant lines to contain the blaze. For larger-scale operations, the fleet is bolstered by C-130 “Hercules” tankers and contracted Large Air Tankers (LATs) like the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and British Aerospace 146. These larger tankers can deliver up to 35,600 litres of retardant, creating wide barriers to halt the fire’s advance.

Helicopters
Helicopters like the Bell UH-1H “Super Huey” and Sikorsky S70i Black Hawk provide unmatched versatility. Equipped to carry up to 1,200 litres of water in external buckets or internal tanks, they can perform rapid water drops, transport crews and equipment, and even conduct night-time firefighting operations.

The Role of Collaboration
Aerial firefighting is a coordinated effort, where various aircraft perform distinct roles to maximise their collective impact. Tactical planes often serve as “lead” aircraft, guiding tankers to precise drop zones. Simultaneously, helicopters provide ground crews with essential support, targeting hotspots and assisting with evacuation or rescue missions.

In large-scale fires, the integration of Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs) becomes crucial. Aircraft like the now-retired Boeing 747 Supertanker, capable of carrying a staggering 68,000 litres of retardant, exemplified the power of aerial suppression before its 2021 retirement.

Innovation and Adaptation
One of the standout capabilities in aerial firefighting is the deployment of “Super Scooper” planes, such as the Bombardier CL-415. These planes skim over water sources, refilling their tanks mid-mission and delivering repeated water drops over active fires. This operational agility complements the precision and power of the fixed-wing tankers and helicopters.

Meeting Rising Challenges
As wildfires grow in frequency and intensity, Cal Fire’s aerial fleet is often supplemented by contracted resources and, in extreme cases, military assistance. This dynamic strategy ensures that fire suppression efforts remain agile and effective, even under the most demanding conditions.

Pioneering Firefighting from the Sky
California’s approach to aerial firefighting reflects a blend of advanced technology, strategic planning, and swift execution. As evidenced by the ongoing battle against the Palisades Fire, these aircraft are indispensable in steering, containing, and ultimately extinguishing the blazes that threaten communities.

For the fire and rescue sector, California’s aerial fleet serves as a model of innovation and resilience, offering valuable insights into the future of wildfire management and aerial suppression tactics.

 

To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here.

Never miss a story… Follow us on:
International Fire Buyer
@Firebuyer
Fire Buyer

Media Contact
Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920
Email: [email protected]

About Fire Buyer

International Fire Buyer is the leading authority in global passive and active fire content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the fire sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Chris Lingham image - Fire Buyer

Chris Lingham

Group Sales Manager

Afua Akoto picture - Fire Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

Picture of ROCKWOOL factiry - Photo by ROCKWOOL - Fire Buyer

ROCKWOOL Invests in Global Fire-Stopping Hub

Insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL has launched a new global centre of excellence for fire-stopping at Hams Hall, on the outskirts of
Picture of firefighter wearing non-PFAS turnout gear - Photo by FIre-Dex - FIre Buyer

East Providence Firefighters Receive Non-PFAS Turnout Gear

The East Providence Fire Department has become the first in the United States to purchase and use non-PFAS turnout gear department-wide
Picture of forest fires - Photo by ECA - Fire Buyer

Press Briefing Reports on EU funding to tackle Forest Fires

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) is to host an online press briefing on its upcoming special report on how EU money is used to tackle
Picture of Ben Pfahl - Photo by Fire-Dex - Fire Buyer

Fire-Dex Appoints New Chief Information Officer

Fire-Dex has announced the appointment of Ben Pfahl as its Chief Information Officer (CIO), putting weight behind its promise to lead with

Product Spotlight – FFE

Early, reliable fire detection is critical to protecting people, assets, and infrastructure in demanding settings – an evolving challenge

From the Expert – Stat-X

Ultrasense from Fireaway, a new generation of fire protection combines early anomaly detection and advanced aerosol suppression to

Feature Sponsor – IWMA

As fire safety technologies evolve, how do water mist systems compare to traditional sprinklers? New UK data sheds light on performance
Magazine - ask the expert - Bridging Standards

Ask the Expert – Sensitron

Marco Penso, R&D Manager at Sensitron, explores the evolving regulatory landscape, innovation challenges, and sustainability efforts shaping

Ask the Expert – F&G Detection

Eliot Sizeland, Vice President of Business Development at Fire & Gas Detection Technologies Inc., discusses the challenges of flame

Cover Story – Perimeter Solutions

Solberg Spartan offers safer, faster fire suppression—Kurt Becker of Perimeter Solutions explains how this foam is redefining frontline
Scroll to Top