Saskatchewan Opposition says too many water bombers grounded during wildfires
REGINA — Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's government needs to explain why records show almost half the water bomber fleet has been grounded during recent wildfires, the Opposition NDP said Wednesday.
NDP Leader Carla Beck said publicly available flight data shows four of 10 tankers have been grounded for almost a year -- and this is on top of a new water bomber that the province says has not been used due to a lack of pilots.
"It's absolutely unacceptable that nearly half our water bombers were sitting idle during the worst wildfire season in a decade,' Beck said in a news release.
'We need a government that's focused on the future and that includes protecting our communities as best we can.'
Saskatchewan has been experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons in recent years.
Fires forced more than 10,000 residents from their homes, although many are able to go back as rain and cooler temperatures have helped crews contain the blazes.
Earlier this week, the province said a new water bomber it received in late May was not used because there were no trained pilots to fly it. The plane was grounded at the air base in La Ronge.
Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod had said that pilots started training on the plane but had to change course and fight the fires.
Steve Roberts, with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, had also said he tried to find qualified pilots to fly the new plane, but no one was available.
As of Wednesday, the agency has reported 17 active wildfires, including four that were not contained. It said there were five communities that remain evacuated. Saskatchewan has rescinded a fire ban for the northern part of the province.
Manitoba has also been hit hard by wildfires, forcing 21,000 from their homes, mainly in the north and north-central regions.
Pimicikamak Cree Nation saw 7,000 forced out but they are now allowed to go back. Flights were bringing people back from Winnipeg while buses were chartered for those who had been taken to Thompson.
There was still no word on when the 5,000 residents of Flin Flon might be allowed to return. A fire nearby remained out of control and officials said there were hot spots not far from the community.
In the south, the Manitoba government reopened the south part of Nopiming Provincial Park for permanent residents, cottagers and commercial operators. But two popular campgrounds in the area are to remain closed for at least another eight days.
-- with files from Steve Lambert in Winnipeg
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2025.
Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press
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