As part of the Provincial Government’s commitment to safer communities, water bomber coverage for the 2026 forest fire season has been activated in Labrador with two CL-415 tankers currently positioned in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Five CL-415 water bombers are deployed across the province throughout the forest fire season to ensure they are always stationed as close as possible to areas where the Fire Weather Index is high or rising. Airports set up to host water bombers in the province include Wabush and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, as well as Deer Lake, Gander and St. John’s.
More than 100 wildland firefighters are stationed at 22 Forestry Management District offices throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to protect people, homes and communities. Residents will continue to see wildfire suppression resources – including ground crews, equipment and water bombers – moving in response to changing conditions. During an active wildfire season, aircraft and ground crews may be relocated daily.
The fifth water bomber of the provincial fleet returned to service in April 2026 following $14.8 million in repairs by PAL Aerospace, a subcontractor for De Havilland Aircraft of Canada. 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
“With a full complement of operational water bombers, more wildland firefighters hired and trained, enhanced training and equipment for volunteer fire departments, and wildfire resilience planning underway in communities, we are doing all we can to ensure we’re ready when required this forest fire season. We are committed to ensuring wildfire suppression resources are distributed strategically where they are most needed, including a consistent, steady water bomber presence in Labrador.”
Honourable Pleaman Forsey
Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands
“The activation of water bomber coverage in Labrador is a key part of our efforts to protect residents, property, and communities across Newfoundland and Labrador during wildfire season. With five water bombers now deployed across the province, we are strengthening our ability to respond quickly to changing fire conditions. I want to thank our pilots, aviation teams, and wildland firefighters for their professionalism and dedication as they work to keep residents safe throughout the 2026 forest fire season.”
Honourable Barry Petten
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
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