Saskatchewan acquires new firefighting plane
The Canadian province of Saskatchewan has acquired a new Canadair CL-215T air tanker to support wildfire suppression
The twin turboprop aircraft, purchased for use by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), will replace an elderly CL-215 from the agency’s existing fleet.
The aircraft was refurbished by De Havilland of Canada, and cost approximately C$37.3 million (US$27.4 million).
The CL-215T can reach speeds of around 330km/h, and can scoop 1,200 gallons of water from an open water source in around 10 seconds.
“Aircraft play an important role in Saskatchewan's wildfire management program,” said SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard. “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.”