Not possible to use Martin Mars water bomber to help fight Fort McMurray wildfire: AB premier
Posted May 9, 2016 9:42 am.
Last Updated May 9, 2016 4:50 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It’s the first thing many people in BC think of when you mention wildfires — the Martin Mars water bomber.
The iconic plane turned 70 last month and is still the largest water bombing float plane in the world. It should finish yearly maintenance and be ready to fly this month, says owner Wayne Coulson.
The Alberta Premier’s office says it’s not possible to use the water bomber because they can’t use the only large lake in the area to grab the water it needs.
The premier’s office also says there are limits on the number of aircraft jamming the skies to fight the fire.
Coulson had previously said the company has not had any inquiries, acknowledging that he wasn’t sure if it was possible for the Mars to land near the fire in Alberta.
Coulson says the massive plane and its cavernous capacity is ideal for large fire campaigns.
“The bigger the horsepower, the better. You need ample water to stop that thing. It’s a very complex fire — it sounds like the conditions are unheard of. I’m sure they need some support in trying to figure out how they’re going to get their hands around this thing.”
The plane is headed to a Wisconsin air show in July to see if new business can be drummed up or even a possible buyer could be found. But for now, that’s the only action the Mars is expected to see this year.
