During the summer months, air tankers, exemplified by this one dispersing fire retardant close to Hay River in September, were frequently observed in the N.W.T. and throughout Canada. These aircraft played a crucial role in battling wildfires. (Image Source: N.W.T. Fire)
As Canada grapples with the aftermath of its most severe wildfire season on record, concerns are mounting over the country's ability to combat increasingly intense blazes. Wildland firefighters and emergency preparedness experts are urging the bolstering of Canada's aging fleet of firefighting aircraft, which have played a crucial role in the annual battle against wildfires.
The effects of the aging fleet have become increasingly apparent, with Eric Davidson, president of the Ontario Professional Association of Wildland Firefighters, emphasizing the challenges faced by the country. The recent wildfire season exposed vulnerabilities in Canada's firefighting capacity, including issues with firefighter retention and recruitment.
With thousands of wildfires engulfing vast, remote areas of land, aerial water bombers have been instrumental in holding off fires until ground crews can intervene. However, concerns are growing about the capacity of the current fleet to cope with longer and more intense wildfire seasons driven by human-induced climate change.
John Gradek, an aviation management lecturer at McGill University, estimates that nearly half of the larger water bombers used in Canadian forest fire fighting are nearing the end of their service life. The urgency to address this issue is underscored by the demand for firefighting resources, including aircraft, which is expected to increase as wildfires become more intense.
The patchwork approach to wildland firefighting, with each province responsible for its efforts, has led to varied strategies. While Ontario and Quebec maintain their fleets, British Columbia contracts out aircraft, and the Northwest Territories have a mix of government-owned and contracted planes.
The challenges faced by provinces are evident in the age of their aircraft. Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests reveals that the province's fleet includes nine large water bombers averaging 24 years old, and 11 smaller aircraft averaging between 53 and 55 years old.
The Northwest Territories, having experienced its worst fire season in 2023, is assessing the need for additional firefighting resources in light of climate-driven changes. However, fire information officer Mike Westwick emphasizes that while air tankers are crucial, they are just one part of a comprehensive suite of tools used to manage wildfires.
The strain on Canada's firefighting system became apparent this year, with the Canada Interagency Forest Fire Centre facing pressures due to heightened fire activity across multiple provinces simultaneously. The unprecedented wildfire season has highlighted the need for strategic resource allocation and increased resources.
Efforts to renew and rebuild firefighting fleets face challenges, with some new water bomber production reportedly already spoken for by European countries through the end of the decade. The revival of the Canadair water bomber program is underway, but production delays mean the first orders may only be fulfilled in the 2027 wildfire season.
To address these challenges, the federal government has allocated $256 million over five years for a cost-sharing fund aimed at improving firefighting capacity, including aircraft. However, calls to nationalize firefighting and establish a unified fleet face jurisdictional and logistical hurdles, raising questions about funding and operational logistics.
As Canada grapples with the evolving threat of wildfires, the urgent need to fortify its firefighting capabilities is apparent. The call to explore national solutions, despite the challenges, underscores the importance of proactive measures to protect communities and wilderness from the escalating wildfire risk.
