The provincial government revealed the latest tools to help fight wildfires.
Four new Fire Boss aircraft were recently purchased.
These single-engine planes can scoop up water from lakes and rivers.
“Amphibious aircraft were invaluable in helping us fight wildfires last summer, especially in some areas that were difficult to reach by land,” Natural Resources Minister John Herron said in a statement.
Herron said as the risk of wildfires increases, it’s important to ensure the province is prepared to deal with it.
The planes are part of a new contract with Forest Protection Ltd., which has partnered with the government for more than 70 years.
Company CEO Mike O’Blenis said the partnership ensures dedicated, in-province aerial firefighting capacity.
“By integrating wheeled and amphibious Fire Boss aircraft, we strengthen support to ground crews in high-risk and hard-to-access areas,” O’Blenis said in a release from the province.
O’Blenis said unlike wheeled air tankers that drop fire retardant, foam or water and play a critical role in containing fires, Fire Boss aircraft help slow fires thanks to rapid water delivery, scooping and reloading in 20 to 30 seconds.
“A balanced, capable fleet is essential to ensuring we are prepared to respond effectively across the province,” he said.
