The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Manitoba government is stepping up the battle against forest fires with the addition of two new Bombardier CL-415 turboprop water-bomber aircraft. The planes immediately bolster the province's capacity and efficiency in dousing forest fires. 'These planes hold more water, fly faster and make almost twice as many drops per hour than the older CL-215 water-bombers,' Transportation Minister Steve Ashton said. 'They are the newest and world's best water bombers and will require less maintenance while using less oil and cleaner fuel.' The two planes are the second and third of four new aircraft that are being delivered in stages as part of a $126-million contract. The fourth water-bomber is due in the fall. The older CL-215 water bombers will continue to meet the province's needs for forest-firefighting efforts as the new aircraft are phased into service, Ashton said. Conservation Minister Gord Mackintosh said wildfires post threats not only to forests, but also to people living in their path. 'These new water bombers will greatly improve our capacity to quickly fight fires and protect forests, communities and lives anywhere in the province,' he said. By late 2012, the provincial air fleet will consist of the four new Bombardier CL-415 water-bombers and two CL-215 aircraft. The forest-firefighting program also operates another six provincial aircraft and several contract helicopters. Last year, there were 315 fires that burned a total of 126,800 hectares across the province, compared with the 16-year average of 492 fires and 183,059 ha of land affected. Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship is monitoring this year's relatively dry conditions. 'Due to an early, dry spring, we have moved early to put firefighting staff and other resources in place as a precautionary measure,' said Mackintosh. Open fires are prohibited from April 1 to Nov. 15, except with a burning permit or in approved firepits such as campfire grates in provincial campsites. Due to dry conditions, many rural municipalities in southern Manitoba have burning bans in place. Anyone living, working, camping or travelling through these areas is advised to use caution. _ Compiled from a Government of Manitoba news release
