The Manitoba government is taking proactive steps to manage and suppress wildfires in the province by upgrading its fleet of waterbomber aircraft with three new DH Canadair-515 Firefighter aircraft.
“Upgrading our fleet with these three new DHC-515 Firefighter waterbombers reflects our commitment to ensure that our front-line firefighters have the tools they need to protect Manitobans,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “We’re protecting the people of Manitoba’s along with their communities, property and valued forests from the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in a manner that aligns with our Canada-first approach by ensuring these aircrafts are made in Canada.”
The new aircraft will contain upgrades that ensure crew safety and improved wildfire suppression efforts through updated navigation systems, increased tank capacity and more fuel-efficient engines, noted the premier, adding the first waterbomber is expected to join the fleet for the 2031 fire season and the other two are expected to be added in 2032.
“Water bombers are an integral aircraft for managing and suppressing wildfires, and a fully functioning fleet of aircraft is required to protect Manitoba communities, property and forests from the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires,” said Natural Resources Minister Ian Bushie, “The investment in these waterbombers is a part of our increased investments in firefighting services that will improve safety for Manitoba families, communities and forests for years to come.”
“The purchase of the three new 515 waterbombers is a monumental commitment by the Province of Manitoba,” said Earl Simmons, executive director, Manitoba Conservation and Wildfire Service. “These aircraft will bolster the province’s fleet of air attack aircraft, which is critical to keeping Manitobans safe as we continue to see increases in wildfire frequency, intensity and season length.”
Additional investments to support firefighting services include $6.7 million toward new and more responsive firefighting equipment and systems, as well as $1.1 million over four years for a new weather information system, wildfire mapping and reporting systems. The provincial commitment to firefighters is also reflected in a doubling of the volunteer firefighters and volunteer search and rescue tax credits, which will increase to $6,000 from $3,000.
