Gov. Newsom Expands World’s Largest Civilian Aerial Firefighting Fleet with Fourth C‑130

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an expansion of the state’s aerial firefighting assets. The plan adds a fourth C‑130H airtanker to the civilian fleet. A new helitack base will also be deployed to support rapid response. The fleet is already the world’s largest civilian aerial firefighting force. Officials say the addition enhances coverage for high‑risk wildfire zones. The move follows a series of severe fire seasons across the western United States. Funding for the expansion comes from state emergency preparedness budgets. Authorities will integrate the new resources into existing fire‑suppression strategies.