Newfoundland’s 5th water bomber is ‘destined for Labrador’ — as soon as it’s fixed

By Elizabeth Whitten
CBC News
January 26, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada East

Newfoundland and Labrador’s fifth water bomber will soon be back in service, says the forestry minister Pleaman Forsey — but where it will be stationed has yet to be determined. The water bomber was previously stationed in Wabush. Forsey said it is again “destined for Labrador,” but he could not confirm an exact location. The CL-415 water bomber was damaged in 2018. It hit a rock in a lake on the Burin Peninsula, causing significant structural damage. It’s been out of service ever since. Last April, the previous Liberal administration committed to repairing the water bomber, announcing a $17-million contract with aircraft manufacturer De Havilland Aircraft of Canada. On Monday, Progressive Conservative Forestry Minister Pleaman Forsey told CBC Radio’s Labrador Morning the aircraft is on target to be ready for the upcoming wildfire season.

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