Wild Fire Facts

Why WaterBombers?

These aircraft (often amphibious) used for aerial firefighting: scooping up water (or sometimes fire retardant), then dumping it over wildfires or hotspots.

  • Examples include the Canadair CL 215 / CL 415 amphibious scooper aircraft.
  • There are also “tankers” (land based aircraft) and sometimes single engine water bomber type craft.

Recent developments in Canada

  1. Manitoba is upgrading its fleet
    • The province has committed to buying three new De Havilland Canadair‑515 (DHC‑515) waterbombers to replace aging models.
    • These are “Made in Canada” aircraft, built/assembled domestically.
    • First of them expected in service by 2031, with the others following (2032) for Manitoba.

  2. Broader interest in the DHC‑515
    • The DHC‑515 is being positioned as the next generation after the CL‑215/CL‑415 models.
    • Demand is increasing, driven by more frequent / severe wildfires.
    •  
  3. Active use & deployment
    • Provinces do shift aircraft between provinces, and sometimes internationally. Example: Ontario sending some of its waterbombers to British Columbia, with potential move to assist in California.
    • The existing fleets (CL‑215, CL‑415) are still in use, though many are aging.

Strengths & challenges

Strengths:

  • Scooping amphibious aircraft are very efficient when water sources are near fires. Turnaround times (load‑fly‑drop) are quick, which is critical in firefighting.
  • Domestic manufacturing / upgrading (DHC‑515) helps with local control, supply, maintenance, and timeliness.

Challenges:

  • Aging fleets: many of the older CL‑215/415 aircraft are decades old, increasing maintenance demands.
  • Long fire seasons & climate change: worse wildfire conditions, more frequent fires, needing more capacity.
  • Logistics & cost: aircraft are expensive, staffing & pilots are needed, maintenance facilities, and suitable water sources for amphibious operation.
  • Timeline: Newer aircraft (e.g. DHC‑515) take time to build, test, and deploy. Manitoba’s first delivery isn’t until ~2031. That leaves a gap during which older aircraft must continue operating.