Alberta has allocated $400 million to introduce five new water bombers into its current firefighting fleet in the upcoming years. The agreement with De Havilland Aircraft, based in Calgary, will result in the initial amphibious aircraft being delivered by 2031.
The Canadair DHC-515 plane has the capability to swiftly collect water from bodies of water, filling its 6,100-liter tank in approximately 12 seconds. Forestry Minister Todd Loewen mentioned that this investment aims to enhance the existing fleet and ensure a seamless transition as older planes retire.
Separately, Premier Danielle Smith clarified that the $400 million is distinct from the $160 million budget allocated annually by the province for wildfire response efforts. Over the past decade, Alberta has witnessed more than 1,000 average yearly wildfire starts, ranking second in Canada behind British Columbia.
With 18 air tankers available for wildfire response last year, four of them were owned and contracted by Alberta, all constructed between 1986 and 1988. Although the current aging planes still have operational life remaining, Loewen emphasized the proactive approach of bolstering the fleet before their retirement.
The procurement of the new water bombers is anticipated to generate around 1,000 job opportunities while expanding the existing fleet. De Havilland Canada’s CEO, Brian Chafe, highlighted the significance of the substantial order and the province’s support in establishing a significant portion of their business in Alberta.
De Havilland had introduced the DHC-515 in March 2022, with 22 aircraft initially designated for European clients. Manitoba had also expressed interest in acquiring a trio of these aircraft last year, emphasizing the aircraft’s design to address the challenges faced by modern aerial firefighters amidst longer and more intense wildfire seasons due to climate change.