From left, Bruce MacLean, Forest Protection Ltd. Bird Dog pilot; Ken Cox, Department of Natural Resources air attack officer; Gaetan Fournier, pilot team lead, Forest Protection Ltd.; and Kerry MacLean, Department of Natural Resources air attack officer, in Debert last week (Province of Nova Scotia)
Nova Scotia officially unveiled its new fleet of wildfire fighting aircraft Tuesday as the province prepares for another wildfire season.
The fleet includes four Air Tractor AT-802 fixed-wing water bombers along with a Cessna Caravan Bird Dog aircraft used to co-ordinate aerial firefighting operations.
The aircraft are operating under a previously announced $6.5 million contract with Forest Protection Ltd. of New Brunswick.
Premier Tim Houston says the province is continuing to strengthen its wildfire response capacity as fire seasons become more demanding.
“Our wildfire seasons are becoming more intense, more unpredictable and more demanding,” Houston said in a release.
“These new additions to our fleet will help ensure we’re well prepared.”
The planes will operate out of the Debert air tanker base in Colchester County throughout the wildfire season.
Officials say the Air Tractor aircraft are designed to work well in Nova Scotia’s terrain and can carry water, fire foam or fire retardant.
The Bird Dog aircraft helps manage airspace around active wildfires and guides water bombers during operations.
Natural Resources Minister Kim Masland says the aircraft add to the province’s already existing firefighting resources.
“The Province is well prepared as we enter into wildfire season, with resources and planning already in place along with ongoing training,” Masland said.
The province says the contract includes pilots, operational staff, maintenance and housing for the aircraft.
Nova Scotia’s wildfire risk season runs from March 15 to October 15.
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