For over four decades, SEI Industries has stood as a dedicated producer of aerial firefighting wildfire suppression equipment. However, as climate change accelerates, concerns are growing that the resources available to Canadian provincial wildfire agencies are becoming insufficient to combat the increasing threat of wildfires.
Despite the commitment and hard work of numerous staff and contractors, Canada is yet to adopt a strategy used by over 50 other countries – employing military helicopters equipped with Bambi Buckets for firefighting missions.
Aerial Firefighting: Unique Challenge in Canada
While countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe rely on their military helicopters with Bambi Buckets for wildfire control, Canada’s military helicopters have a different role.
Although these helicopters are deployed during wildfires to facilitate the movement of personnel and equipment, they do not actively engage in firefighting missions, setting Canada apart from its international counterparts.
The Royal Canadian Air Force’s Role
Canada’s Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) boasts a fleet of more than 100 capable helicopters. Surprisingly, these helicopters lack Bambi Buckets or any fire suppression equipment that could prove vital in emergencies.
SEI Industries has taken initiative by reaching out to various officials, including members of legislative assemblies, members of parliament, First Nations leaders, mayors, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, urging them to consider equipping Canada’s military helicopters with Bambi Buckets to combat wildfires effectively.
The Bambi Bucket Solution
Originating and manufactured in British Columbia, the Bambi Bucket has gained global recognition as a strategic tool for fighting wildfires.
Employed in 110 countries, it enables precise and targeted water and retardant drops, proving invaluable in wildfire control efforts.
In Canada, most wildfire helicopter operators have adopted the Bambi Bucket, with the largest model capable of carrying and releasing substantial amounts of water, comparable to certain water bombers.
The Significance of Mutual Aid
In severe wildfire seasons like those experienced in 2021 and 2023, resources are often augmented through mutual aid agreements with other provinces or countries. However, concerns arise for the future, given that escalating climate change leads to more frequent and aggressive wildfires worldwide.
This situation might prompt countries to prioritize their own firefighting needs, reducing the availability of resources for international mutual aid agreements.
Global Collaborative Efforts
Recent years have witnessed a surge in international collaboration to combat wildfires. Countries from various continents, excluding Antarctica, have dispatched approximately 3,200 firefighters to Canada in the current year.
This shared effort highlights the importance of a united response. However, a growing global shortage of pilots has underscored the need to integrate military pilots into firefighting duties, bolstering firefighting resources and capabilities.
Overcoming Challenges
The integration of military pilots into wildfire services is a strategy successfully implemented by over 50 countries. These pilots have found firefighting missions to be both challenging and enriching, enhancing their skillsets and contributing to firefighting efforts.
Notably, research identifies Russia, Canada, Brazil, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo as the top five countries facing the highest risk of forest fires. This underscores the urgency of adapting and evolving aerial firefighting strategies to counter this escalating threat.
A Year-Round Challenge
Climate change has transformed the nature of wildfires, making them a year-round challenge rather than a seasonal occurrence. This transformation demands proactive and adaptable approaches to safeguard communities and natural resources.
Paul Reichard, SEI Industries’ remote site division manager, acknowledges that climate change and wildfires will stretch available resources, including mutual aid partnerships, to their limits. He emphasizes the untapped potential of Canada’s military helicopters as a last resort option for wildfire control.
A Catalyst for Change
SEI Industries’ proposal to integrate military pilots into firefighting operations as a surge capacity offers a promising solution. This approach not only aims to better protect communities and natural resources but also envisions increased recruitment and support for the RCAF.
Robin Cnudde, regional manager at SEI Industries, expresses respect for the contributions of military pilots and underscores the potential positive impact of their engagement in firefighting efforts.
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