The province has unveiled several Fire Boss aircraft it purchased to help combat wildfires in New Brunswick.
“Amphibious aircraft were invaluable in helping us fight wildfires last summer, especially in some areas that were difficult to reach by land,” John Herron, the Natural Resources Minister, said in a release. “As the risk of wildfires continues to grow, we must ensure our preparedness increases with it.”
A Fire Boss aircraft is a single-engine air tanker specialized in water scooping and can scoop more than 3,000 litres (800 gallons) in 15 seconds.
Fire Watch season began three weeks earlier than is typical in New Brunswick due to record-low precipitation. The Department of Natural Resources also made 74 seasonal forest ranger permanent full-time positions.
According to DNR, the aircraft are a partnership with Lincoln-based company Forest Protection Ltd.
“By integrating wheeled and amphibious Fire Boss aircraft, we strengthen support to ground crews in high-risk and hard-to-access areas,” FPL CEO Mike O’Blenis said. “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.”
According to the Fire Watch dashboard, there have been 264 fires to date that have burned 409 hectares in total. Details about burning conditions can also be found at the Fire Watch website.
Herron said New Brunswick will continue to assist other jurisdictions when it is necessary, noting the help the province received last year during its second largest wildfire season in the last decade was appreciated.
