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SPSA invests in water bomber to help fight wildfires

May 2, 2023, Saskatchewan – A new water-scooping air tanker has arrived in Saskatchewan, just in time for wildfire season.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has invested in a CL-215T air tanker to provide a stronger wildfire response in the province. The CL-215T will replace the obsolete CL-215 in the SPSA’s aerial wildfire suppression fleet.

The new tanker will join a fleet of air tankers and bird-dog planes as part of its wildfire and grassfire fire response program.

“Aircrafts play an important role in Saskatchewan’s wildfire management program,” SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said. “With the 2023 wildfire season just beginning, an expansion of the fleet means that wildfire responders and resources will be strengthened when protecting our province, especially in the north.”

The new aircraft was purchased and refurbished by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.

The CL-215T can reach speeds of approximately 329 KPH and collect 1,200 gallons of water for an open water source in about 10 seconds.