The provincial government revealed the latest tools to help fight wildfires.
Four new Fire Boss aircraft were recently purchased.
These single-engine planes can scoop up water from lakes and rivers.
“Amphibious aircraft were invaluable in helping us fight wildfires last summer, especially in some areas that were difficult to reach by land,” Natural Resources Minister John Herron said in a statement.
Herron said as the risk of wildfires increases, it’s important to ensure the province is prepared to deal with it.
The planes are part of a new contract with Forest Protection Ltd., which has partnered with the government for more than 70 years.
Company CEO Mike O’Blenis said the partnership ensures dedicated, in-province aerial firefighting capacity.
“By integrating wheeled and amphibious Fire Boss aircraft, we strengthen support to ground crews in high-risk and hard-to-access areas,” O’Blenis said in a release from the province.
O’Blenis said unlike wheeled air tankers that drop fire retardant, foam or water and play a critical role in containing fires, Fire Boss aircraft help slow fires thanks to rapid water delivery, scooping and reloading in 20 to 30 seconds.
“A balanced, capable fleet is essential to ensuring we are prepared to respond effectively across the province,” he said.
The wildfire season has launched in New Brunswick, but it comes earlier than anticipated. There are concerns about record-low precipitation, a lack of snow, and prolonged drought conditions.
The province is spending $6.7 million to help support forest protection and fighting wildfires.
Premier Susan Holt and Natural Resources Minister John Herron announced the news at the Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre in Fredericton on Wednesday.
Funds will be divided among the groups involved in protecting New Brunswick from wildfires.
Holt said that being prepared is her government’s top priority, which is why they are committing funds to support personnel, equipment, and training for this year’s wildfire season.
Premier Susan Holt speaking at Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre / Image: Wilfred Fraser
$1.725 million will be invested annually to convert 74 forest ranger positions to year-round positions, according to Holt.
“These are people who spend their winter months increasing their readiness, preparing warehouses and equipment, doing robust training and deployment opportunities,” said Holt. “These are the people who kept New Brunswick safe last year, and our government is committed to supporting them and making those positions permanent.”
Holt also mentioned 16 signed agreements that will provide municipalities with wildfire fighting equipment kits and the required training. She says her government will continue to roll these agreements out into 2027.
$2.6 million will help develop community wildfire resiliency plans, of which 24 are already in place.
$484 thousand has been allocated to the North Shore Tribal Council, the Wolastoqey Tribal Council, and the MAWIW Tribal Council to support their communities in preparing for wildfires.
Premier Susan Holt sitting in a new piece of equipment at the Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre / Image: Wilfred Fraser
“We have made $6.4 million in capital investment for 2026-27 to build up our provincial fire equipment warehouse and fire hose processing facility in Fredericton … important facilities and equipment to rebuild. We need to rebuild and relocate our fire-retardant storage facility as well,” listed Holt.
Holt also mentioned upgrading reloading bases in Fredericton and Miramichi, as well as four more reloading bases across the province.
“We have allocated an additional $3 million to Forest Protection Limited in our contract with them for 2026-27 to make four fire boss planes available in New Brunswick,” she said.
These four new planes can skim water from lakes and rivers to drop upon burning brush and trees, which will aid in the faster suppression of fires when they are identified.
Holt said a forest ranger has been designated to each district in the province to lead preparation for the season under guidance from the wildfire ranger lead.
“These positions are going to help ensure that preparation for the season occurs consistently across all districts within the department so that we are ready everywhere,” said Holt.
Natural Resources Minister John Herron at Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre / Image: Wilfred Fraser
Minister Herron acknowledged the work of forest rangers and firefighters who kept the province safe during last year’s wildfire season before speaking about the funding.
“We had a very arduous season last year. Because of the immense skill that our firefighting team has, we did not lose a single structure throughout the entire summer,” said Herron, “so that is a testament to the strength and skill that these men and women have.”
“You had our back, so the very least we can do is that this government and this Premier have your back,” said the natural resources minister.
Herron warned that Climate Change Canada has projected that the summer months in the province will be among the hottest years on record, with above-average temperatures as a result of climate change.
“On behalf of our wildfire prevention officers, I encourage people to continue to enjoy the outdoors while being vigilant with backyard fire pits, motorized vehicles, hunting, fishing, camping activities, and to report fires so that action can be taken quickly,” said Herron.
The provincial government has also launched a Fire Watch page, which New Brunswickers can refer to here. It will be updated at 2 p.m. daily, according to Herron.
