CAL FIRE attaches video camera to air tanker

Video of Tanker 89 dropping on the Still Fire

Tanker 89 drops on the Still Fire, Aug. 27, 2022
Tanker 89 drops on the Still Fire, Aug. 27, 2022. Still image from CAL FIRE video.

CAL FIRE posted a video online of one of their S-2T air tankers, T-89, dropping retardant on the Still Fire August 27 in Northern California. This is the first time we have been aware of video footage shot from an S-2T during a drop.

The audio is very loud in the video below.

We have posted videos shot from other tankers as they dropped, but they are most often filmed from the cockpit looking forward, such as from a Single Engine Air tanker and MAFFS. There are also videos shot from outside a C-130 and an RJ-85 looking to the rear as the drops were made.

The Still Fire, between Grass Valley and Auburn, burned 44 acres August 27, 2022 before the spread was stopped by firefighters on the ground and in the air.

Still Fire map
Map showing the location of the Still Fire.
S2T
CAL FIRE S2Ts, including T-89, at McClellan AFB March 17, 2014. Photo by Bill Gabbert.

Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Gaylene.

Sacramento aircraft

We had an opportunity to photograph some of the aircraft at McClellan Air Force base today. Click on the photos to see larger versions.

S2T
CAL FIRE S2Ts at McClellan AFB March 17, 2014. Photo by Bill Gabbert.
OV-10
CAL FIRE OV-10s at McClellan AFB March 17, 2014. Photo by Bill Gabbert.
P3
P3s at McClellan AFB March 17, 2014. Photo by Bill Gabbert.
P3 at McClellan AFB March 17, 2014. Anyone know why this aircraft has "MAFFS" painted on it? Photo by Bill Gabbert.
P3 at McClellan AFB March 17, 2014. Anyone know why this aircraft has “MAFFS Protection from Above” painted on it? Photo by Bill Gabbert.
P3
P3s at McClellan AFB March 17, 2014. Photo by Bill Gabbert.