The province’s fifth water bomber returned to Gander on Friday, marking its official return to the firefighting fleet following the completion of repairs. This action underscores the Provincial Government’s commitment to keeping communities safe.

The water bomber will be with the fleet in Gander and relocated to Labrador at the start of Labrador’s forest fire season. It will be available for Labrador in advance of the fire season if the fire risk requires it.

The Honourable Pleaman Forsey, Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, was on the ground in Gander to welcome the CL-415 back to the fleet.

Flying in wildfire conditions carries significant risk and operational complexity, creating an exceptionally demanding work environment. During one such wildfire-fighting effort on the Burin Peninsula, the aircraft sustained substantial structural damage while collecting water for fire suppression.

In April 2025, a contract valued at $14.8 million was awarded to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada for the repairs. The work was carried out locally by PAL Aerospace, a subcontractor for De Havilland. The contract’s scope of work included the structural repairs and the associated maintenance required to return the water bomber to service for the 2026-27 fire season. The initiative was also supported through a partnership with Natural Resources Canada under the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate: Equipment fund.

Quotes
“The return of the fifth water bomber to the provincial fleet aligns with our focus on safer communities. These planes, along with our ground fire suppression crews, are integral to our efforts to protect our towns and communities from devastating wildfires. I am very pleased it will be available for the upcoming wildfire season.”
Honourable Barry Petten
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“It was an honour and a relief to see the fifth water bomber touch down, fully repaired and ready for action. We’re entering forest fire season this year with a full complement of operational water bombers, more wildland firefighters being hired and trained, enhanced training and equipment for volunteer fire departments, and wildfire resilience planning underway in communities. Thank you to everyone who is working so hard to keep our province safe.”
Honourable Pleaman Forsey
Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands

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