A recent analysis reveals that Coulson Aviation, a British Columbia-based company, produces some of the world’s leading aerial wildfire equipment. However, Canada does not currently contract with Coulson Aviation for their best equipment. Instead, these high-quality resources are being sent to Australia and California. This discrepancy is concerning considering the devastating wildfires experienced in Canada. It is essential that Canadian authorities take the necessary steps to acquire this advanced equipment for use in controlling wildfires in the country.
One of Coulson Aviation’s most impressive assets is the C-130H Hercules Airtanker, which was recently contracted for four years by Western Australia. This aircraft has a water capacity of 15,000 liters and can effectively combat firestorms with 100-foot high flames. It is worth noting that this B.C.-made firefighting behemoth has never been utilized in fighting wildfires within British Columbia.
It is not just the C-130H Hercules Airtanker that Canada is missing out on. Coulson Aviation also possesses heavy lift helicopters that were successfully deployed in California in 2022. Additionally, they have two Boeing CH-47 heavy lift helicopters capable of fighting wildfires 24 hours a day. With the ability to extinguish fires even in the dark, these helicopters could make a significant difference in containing fires caused by lightning strikes.
In addition to these assets, Coulson Aviation has supplied one Sikorsky S-61 helitanker and one Sikorsky S-76 intelligence gathering helicopter. Yet, despite having access to this B.C.-based company’s aircraft, Canada has not utilized them in its firefighting efforts.
Premier Eby and Prime Minister Trudeau should seriously consider acquiring Coulson Aviation’s advanced aerial wildfire equipment for use in British Columbia, as well as other regions in Canada. Investing in these resources would greatly enhance Canada’s ability to combat wildfires and protect its citizens and natural resources.
Sources:
– Coulson Aviation website
