New Brunswick buys four new aircraft to battle wildfires

New Brunswick has bought four new amphibious aircraft to battle wildfires.

The New Brunswick government has bought four new Fire Boss aircraft to combat wildfires as summer approaches.

The government says the planes can pick up water from lakes and rivers. The province is spending $6.7 million on fire preparedness and prevention, which includes converting 74 casual forest ranger positions into fulltime, year-round positions.

“The investment comes as wildfire season began early due to record-low precipitation last year, minimal snowfall during the winter, and ongoing drought conditions,” a news release from the province reads.

According to the Canada Drought Monitor report from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on May 5, much of New Brunswick is facing dry to moderate drought conditions.

Last year the province faced more than 400 wildfires, including one in the Miramichi area that reached roughly 1,402 hectares.

“Amphibious aircraft were invaluable in helping us fight wildfires last summer, especially in some areas that were difficult to reach by land,” said Natural Resources Minister John Herron in the release. “As the risk of wildfires continues to grow, we must ensure our preparedness increases with it.”

The province has contracted Forest Protection Ltd. for the new aircraft. The Nova Scotia government also signed a $6.5-million contract with the group for four water bombers and a coordinator plane.

“By integrating wheeled and amphibious Fire Boss aircraft, we strengthen support to ground crews in high-risk and hard-to-access areas,” said Mike O’Blenis, CEO of Forest Protection Ltd. “Wheeled air tankers play a critical role in containing fires using retardant, foam or water, while Fire Boss aircraft help slow fire behaviour through 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.”

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.