How do you fight fires in places where there are no roads? You use a plane!

Photos: Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

Did you know that water bombing was invented in Sault Ste. Marie? Bushplanes have been used to fight forest fires for decades. Tall fire towers are scattered throughout Ontario’s forests to help rangers spot and precisely locate forest fires. Once a fire is reported, bushpilots are contacted to respond. In Ontario, bushplanes fight fires by picking up water from the abundant rivers and lakes, then dumping the water on the burning areas. One Bombardier CL-415 plane alone can carry up to 6,140 liters of water in its enormous tank. That’s enough water to fill 39 bathtubs!

Health tip: Human beings cause almost half of the wildfires that happen in Ontario each year. You can help protect Ontario’s forests by reducing fire risks. Learn more from the Ministry of Natural Resources.