Alberta Forestry and Parks Minister is pleased the government is adding five new waterbombers to battle wildfires.
Alberta secured a contract with De Havilland Canada for five new locally-built water bombers, says a government news release Feb. 17.
“Investing in these waterbombers is an investment in the safety of all Albertans,” says Loewen, whose riding includes the Falher- McLennan area.
“These planes are critical for battling wildfires and protecting our communities, economy and natural resources.”
The first waterbomber is expected to be ready by spring 2031.
Alberta will purchase five De Havilland Canadair DHC-515 waterbombers at a cost of $400 million.
Adding the water- bombers is a major step forward to strengthen the province’s capability to protect communities and infrastructure during wildfire season March 1 to Oct. 31.
Premier Danielle Smith says the new waterbombers will be a major benefit to Alberta in more than one way.
“These Albert-built waterbombers will strengthen our wildfire response, protect our communities and create hundreds of skilled jobs right here at home,” she adds.
The current airtanker fleet is strategically located among 13 bases around the province during wildfire season to ensure rapid response to new wildfires and reduce the spread of larger fires.
During wildfire season, firefighting aircraft work by skimming water from lakes and dropping it on nearby fires, complementing the contracted planes that drop fire retardant to control the spread of wildfire.
The additional waterbombers is the latest in a series of strategic investments to strengthen Alberta’s wildfire response and expanding its growing aerospace industry.
Having the aircraft manufacturer based in Alberta creates additional long-term benefits, ensuring continued support over the lifespan of the air tanker fleet.
Richard Froese
South Peace News