Demand for water bombers has ‘skyrocketed’ as Canada grapples with more intense wildfires
Canada is once again facing the devastating impact of massive wildfires, leading to a surge in demand for water bomber planes. Unfortunately, it will be several years before Canada receives new aircraft to combat these natural disasters effectively.
During a recent meeting in Saskatchewan, premiers discussed major infrastructure projects but also addressed the urgent need for more water bombers to tackle the ongoing wildfire crisis. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew highlighted the challenges his province is facing and expressed the necessity for additional water bombers. Despite placing an $80-million down payment on three new planes earlier this year, Manitoba will have to wait until the 2031 and 2032 fire seasons to receive them.
The backbone of Canada’s firefighting fleet, the CL-415 amphibious scoopers, has not been manufactured for over a decade. After Bombardier sold the rights to the model in 2016, De Havilland Canada took over production and began building a newer model near Calgary in 2022. However, the company is currently facing a backlog of orders from both international buyers and Canadian provinces.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford revealed that his province has ordered six additional water bombers, but production delays in Alberta mean it will take around four years to receive them. European customers secured orders for new planes as early as 2022, while Canadian governments only started placing orders after the record-breaking 2023 wildfire season.
As the demand for water bombers continues to rise due to climate change-induced wildfires, provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador are reviving previously grounded aircraft to bolster their fleets. Repairing old models and cannibalizing parts from out-of-service planes are temporary solutions to address the immediate need for firefighting capabilities.
Premier Ford emphasized the importance of a national wildfire strategy to ensure Canada has the resources and equipment necessary to combat future emergencies effectively. Aviation management expert John Gradek echoed this sentiment, advocating for a nationalized water bomber fleet to mitigate the escalating impact of climate change on wildfire seasons.
In conclusion, the current wildfire crisis in Canada underscores the critical need for immediate action to enhance the country’s firefighting capabilities. With the demand for water bombers on the rise, timely delivery of new aircraft and the development of a comprehensive national strategy are essential steps to safeguard communities and the environment from the increasing threat of wildfires.
