(Newfoundland & Labrador) Transportation Minister Tom Hedderson and Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale unveiled the provinces newest water bomber at a government hanger at the St. John’s Airport this morning (July 26).
“The arrival of this aircraft comes on the heels of receiving our first new aircraft in April and signals a renewal of our waterbomber fleet that will serve the people of Newfoundland and Labrador admirably for many years to come,” said Hedderson in a news release (July 26).
“Waterbombers are an extremely important component of our fire suppression efforts,”added Dunderdale. “Our forest fire management staff do a tremendous job of protecting our people, property, forest habitat and forest resources from the devastating effects of forest fires.
The release states provincial crews respond to about 100 forest fires a year.
The Bombardier 415 carries more water and flies faster than the older CL-215 waterbombers.
It also uses jet fuel, making it more environmentally friendly than the older aircraft.
The provincial fleet consists of six waterbombers — and four light helicopters under contract for the forest fire season —stationed in Gander, Deer Lake, St. John’s, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Wabush.
The Province announced a purchase agreement, valued at $120 million, for four waterbombers aircraft back in October 2009.
The two other planes will arrive in the province next year, one in April and one in July.
The Telegram
