Photo courtesy La Ronge Fire Department

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency unveiled their new water-scooping air tanker in Regina today.

The CL-215T will replace the CL-215 which the government describes as obsolete.

Minister responsible Christine Tell says it is a $37.3 million investment. The new aircraft was purchased and refurbished by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada. The CL-215T can reach speeds of approximately 329 KPH and collect 1,200 gallons of water for an open water source in about 10 seconds.

In a news release, the SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said. “With the 2023 wildfire season just beginning, an expansion of the fleet means that wildfire responders and resources will be strengthened when protecting our province, especially in the north.”

As of today there are fourteen active wildfires in the province, and one not contained which is the Vermette fire southwest of Buffalo Narrows.