Four new 415 turboprop water-bomber aircraft from Bombardier Aerospace are being added to the province’s forest firefighting air fleet, Premier Greg Selinger announced.
“This is a major upgrade to our equipment and is important to our forest firefighting program,” said Selinger. “The new aircraft will increase our firefighting efficiency and better ensure the safety of our crews while they are getting this important job done.”
The new aircraft will begin arriving in stages starting this fall under a contract valued at approximately $126 million. The existing fleet of CL-215 water-bomber aircraft will continue to meet the province’s needs for forest firefighting efforts until all of the new aircraft have arrived in Manitoba.
The new, turbine-powered aircraft will provide a high level of reliability and safety and can get to forest fires faster and carry more water compared to the older, piston-powered CL-215 aircraft, said the premier.
The second new aircraft will arrive in the fall of 2011, the third in winter of 2012 and the final one in fall of 2012.
Once all the upgraded aircraft arrive, the provincial fleet of water bombers will consist of the four new Bombardier 415 aircraft and the two CL-215 planes that are in the best condition of the existing aircraft.
“The Government of Manitoba and Bombardier have enjoyed an excellent working relationship for 33 years now,” said Michel Bourgeois, president, specialized and amphibious aircraft and military aviation training, Bombardier Aerospace. “With the recent acquisition of these new Bombardier 415 aircraft, the Government of Manitoba will ensure its province is equipped with an aircraft that has unique operational capabilities and exceptional performance recognized worldwide for years to come.”
The Fire Program of Manitoba Conservation reports 50 wildfires have occurred in the province this year to date. Forty-nine were human caused and one was caused by lightning. The fire hazard is increasing across the province as land dries out. As warmer weather moves into central and northern areas it takes only a few days of warm, breezy weather to increase the potential for fires.
The provincial fleet of seven water bombers and additional single-engine air tankers are being deployed as required. Helicopters are being stationed in fire zones throughout the province.
People should be careful with outdoor fires at all times, but especially over the next few weeks. Open fires are prohibited from April 1 to Nov. 15 annually, except under a burning permit or in enclosed approved fire pits such as campfire grates in provincial campsites. Fires must be properly put out by pouring water on the embers and stirring.
About half of the wildfires in Manitoba every year are human caused. The Manitoba Conservation Fire Program focuses its efforts on the protection of lives, significant property values and infrastructure as well as forests. Program officials state individuals will be charged in cases where fires are deliberately set.
Since 1999, the Manitoba government has supported the province’s firefighting efforts by:
• adding three new initial-attack crews, which include 14 new firefighters;
• adding another contract helicopter to the initial-attack force, providing six helicopters to ensure crews are moved quickly to fire sites;
• improving communication and safety with the purchase of 33 new satellite phones in 2008; and
• hiring forest firefighters earlier in the season so crews can be trained earlier, kept together longer and transported to fire sites sooner in the season.
