Will Fill Forest Fire And Other Utility Missions

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources will acquire three EC130 B4 single-engine helicopters for forest fire management work and utility missions across Canada’s second largest province. Eurocopter Canada (ECL) announced the sale Tuesday.

Photo Credit Kevin Middel

With the delivery of the three new helicopters from the ECL facility in Fort Erie, the ministry will have a fleet of seven EC130 B4s available for the operating season. “The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is recognized as one of the longest operating and most innovative provincial air service agencies in the world,” said Mr. Guy Joannes, President & CEO, ECL. “We are pleased to receive this order for EC130 B4 aircraft for forest fire management and resource stewardship activities.”

The Ministry of Natural Resources has been using aircraft for forestry and forest fire management since the founding of the Ontario Provincial Air Service in 1924. On June 26, 1946, it gained the international distinction of being the first agency in North America to use a helicopter in forest fire control. Helicopters were added to the fleet in 1984.

Helicopters play an important role in helping the ministry carry out resource management activities, including delivery of forest fire crews and equipment for fire management activities, aerial animal surveys, wildlife darting work and worksite evaluations. They also provide rapid response times across a vast northern wilderness, which contains tens of thousands of lakes but very few roads.

The EC130 B4 supports the ministry’s “one strike” concept (movement of personnel and equipment to the fire in one trip) as well as delivery of personal gear in the event that firefighters need to overnight at the fire. After setting the initial attack team on the ground with their water pumps and tools, the EC130 B4 pilot will often join the battle using a water bucket to hit the fire’s “hot spots”.

Along with the initial attack operations, the ministry utilizes the EC130 B4 in support of other resource-related activities, including wildlife surveys, fish stocking, reconnaissance, compliance monitoring, enforcement missions, remote sensing and forest fire management.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com