Contract to repair water bomber will strengthen wild firefighting resources in Newfoundland

Apr. 25, 2025, St. John’s, Nfld. – The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure of Newfoundland and Labrador has awarded a contract valued at $14.8 million to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada for the repair work for the province’s fifth CL-415 water bomber. The work will be carried out in the province by PAL Aerospace, a subcontractor for De Havilland. The water bomber will support the efforts of the provincial government’s well-trained and high-quality fire suppression team that has guided communities through forest fires that are becoming increasingly challenging and more frequent due to climate change.

“Our government is pleased to award this contract so the important work of repairing the province’s fifth CL-415 water bomber can get underway. Returning this aircraft to our provincial fleet, along with our commitment for a new Atlantic Wildfire Centre, will further enhance our province’s wildfire firefighting capacity,” said the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister of Rural Economic Development.

Flying in fire conditions involves immense risks and complexities, making it a unique and challenging working environment. It was during one such situation on the Burin Peninsula that the aircraft was damaged while taking on water during a forest fire, resulting in considerable structural damage. The scope of work for the contract will address these structural repairs, as well as required maintenance, allowing the water bomber to return to service for the 2026-27 fire season.

In October 2024, the provincial government announced a $32 million cost-shared, four-year investment in partnership with Natural Resources Canada for a new Atlantic Wildfire Centre in Gander. The funding also includes support for the purchase of firefighting equipment such as fire trucks, command trailers, sprinklers, weather stations and fire-resistant suits, along with the repair of the fifth water bomber.

“We have taken the lead to establish a world-class Atlantic Wildfire Centre with integrated facilities in Labrador to enhance efforts to protect Atlantic Canada’s forests. With a fifth waterbomber in place and increased aerial suppression, enhanced training, and more firefighters, we will continue to ensure the strength of our forest fire suppression capacity,” said the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.