EXPANDED CAPABILITIES.

CAL FIRE is a state agency in California that is responsible for protecting a large area of forests and wildlands. They have the world's largest fleet of civil aerial firefighting aircraft and are known for their expertise in aerial firefighting. CAL FIRE works closely with other agencies to respond to thousands of fires each year. Their aviation program plays a crucial role in supporting ground firefighting units by delivering fire retardant to slow down the spread of fires. CAL FIRE's fleet includes various types of aircraft, such as air tankers, helicopters, and support aircraft. They have plans to expand their fleet in the future. The document also mentions the relocation and consolidation of some CAL FIRE bases, as well as their intention to purchase more S-70i Firehawks. In 2023, CAL FIRE's aircraft flew for over 11,000 hours and delivered a significant amount of retardant and water. [Extracted from the article]