Fifth water bomber on track to rejoin fleet for wildfire season

The Newfoundland and Labrador government said a fifth water bomber remains on schedule to return to service ahead of this year’s wildfire season.

Officials said structural repairs to the aircraft were progressing well, with most of the work already completed. The water bomber is expected to be back in operation by May 1, boosting the province’s aerial firefighting capacity.

The update comes as the province continues to reflect on the impact of last year’s wildfires, which forced evacuations, damaged homes and disrupted communities.

The return of the aircraft is expected to strengthen emergency preparedness and improve the province’s ability to respond to wildfires as the upcoming fire season approaches.