PCs Call on Manitoba Government to Bolster Wildfire Response Strategy with Local Solution
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE — Progressive Conservatives are calling on Premier Wab Kinew’s government to strengthen Manitoba’s wildfire response strategy and prepare for the next fire season by investing in versatile, rapid-response aircraft while supporting a made-in-Manitoba business.
Portage Aircraft Specialties, located just east of Portage la Prairie, is Canada’s exclusive distributor for Air Tractor. The AT-802 Fire Boss is an 820-gallon aerial firefighter used across Canada, including 14 operated by the Northwest Territories government and dozens more from coast to coast.
“One of the best rapid-response air tankers out there is exclusively sold just an hour away from the Manitoba Legislature,” said Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza, Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition. “With devastating wildfires continuing to be a growing threat in Manitoba, we have a game-changing asset right at home to bolster the province’s response strategy.”
The Manitoba government recently put an $80-million down payment for three new large water bombers which will not be operational until 2032. While Manitoba waits for the larger water bombers, the Fire Boss can be up and fighting fires in as little as 14 months, at a cost of $7 million per plane.
“The new water bombers recently purchased by the province are six years and six fire seasons away from coming into play,” said La Vérendrye MLA Konrad Narth, PC Critic for Transportation and Infrastructure. “We need to be prepared for the next fire season, which is why we’re calling on the NDP government to make this vital investment.”
With the ability to scoop water directly from lakes and rivers, the Fire Boss is an ideal asset for rapidly attacking wildfires in their early stages, and can be strategically placed throughout the province.
The Fire Boss is also ideal for combating wildfires in remote and hard-to-reach areas, being able to get into smaller areas of water, as well as smaller runways and airports. Equipped with a Canadian-made Pratt and Whitney engine, with 1600 horsepower, the plane can stay airborne for up to three hours for repetitive fire drops without refueling.
“Not only is the Fire Boss ideal for what Manitoba needs, but the lower purchase price, lower maintenance cost, lower fuel burn, and lower cost-per-gallon of water makes this aircraft seriously worth considering,” said Narth. “We’re calling on the NDP government to do the right thing by investing in an efficient firefighting tool, supporting a Manitoba business, and better preparing our province for the next fire season.”
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