Saskatchewan Invests in New Airtankers to Combat Wildfires
In the aftermath of one of the worst wildfire seasons on record, Saskatchewan is taking proactive steps to bolster its firefighting capabilities. The province is investing $187 million in four new repurposed land-based airtanker aircraft to replace the aging current fleet.
The new fleet includes Conair 8-Q400At planes dedicated to dispersing fire retardant and 8-Q400MRE aircraft designed for multiple purposes, including passenger evacuation and cargo transport. This investment aims to ensure the province’s ability to respond effectively to wildfires and other emergencies for decades to come.
“Saskatchewan relies on land-based airtanker aircraft as part of its approach to managing wildfires,” said Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman. “These aircraft are used in instances where waterbombers may not be able to access lakes to fill up their tanks.”
The first aircraft is expected to be operational in 2025, with the remaining three entering service by 2027. The new fleet will have a longer lifespan of 25 years, providing Saskatchewan with a modern and reliable aerial firefighting capacity.
“This is an investment that’s just not about this summer or next summer, but it’s about the longer term, the next number of decades, and keeping our communities safe,” said Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. “Saskatchewan leads the country in preparing for future disasters with their order for four modern emergency response aircraft,” added Matt Bradley, President and CEO of Conair Aerial Firefighting. “They are the first province to invest in the safety and security of their citizens with a purchase of the multi-role airtankers, built by Canadians for Canadians.”
The investment in new airtankers demonstrates Saskatchewan’s commitment to protecting its citizens and property from the devastating effects of wildfires. By enhancing its aerial firefighting capabilities, the province is well-positioned to respond to future wildfire seasons with greater effectiveness and efficiency.
