RELEASE Department of Natural Resources May 19, 2026 FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has unveiled its latest tools to aid in the battle against wildfires. It recently purchased four new Fire Boss aircraft, which can scoop up water from lakes or rivers. News media were given a look at the specialized planes today at the Fredericton International Airport. “Amphibious aircraft were invaluable in helping us fight wildfires last summer, especially in some areas that

RELEASE Government of Nova Scotia | Department of Natural Resources May 13, 2026 DEBERT, NS – The Province will be ready to respond this wildfire season, with four fixed-wing water bombers and a co-ordination plane to provide more protection for Nova Scotians. A contract for four Air Tractor AT-802 water bombers and one Cessna Caravan Bird Dog was announced today, May 13. It will run until September 30 but can be extended if needed. “Our wildfire seasons are becoming more in

Wildfire season is underway. 2026 marks major milestones for Forest Protection Limited and wildfire suppression across Atlantic Canada. NEW BRUNSWICK: FPL continues its long-standing partnership with the Province of New Brunswick, now strengthened with fleet expansion to include four Fire Boss aircraft. The combination of wheeled and amphibious aircraft significantly increases wildfire response effectiveness across the province. NOVA SCOTIA: May 1 marks FPL’s first full seaso

Three more Fire Boss aircraft have joined FPL’s fleet, further strengthening wildfire response capacity for New Brunswick. Working in close partnership with the Government of New Brunswick’s Wildfire Management Branch, FPL continues to expand and position its fleet to protect communities, natural resources, and critical infrastructure across the province. With increased capacity and a new tool in the suppression toolbox, FPL is ready for the wildfire season ahead. Ready when

With fire season quickly approaching, FPL will begin testing aircraft and training air and ground crews to protect our communities. We actively try to avoid airspace above residential neighborhoods to minimize noise as much as possible. YFC Air Traffic Control assigns runways, flight altitudes, and routes to and from YFC airspace based on safety considerations and prevailing weather conditions. Depending on the conditions, flying over residential areas may be required. March

Lincoln, NB — March 2026: Forest Protection Limited (FPL) has been named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers for 2026, a distinction awarded by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as part of its annual Canada’s Top 100 Employers program. This recognition highlights employers across the four Atlantic provinces that demonstrate leadership in creating strong, sustainable workplaces. Winners are evaluated across eight criteria, including workplace culture, health and family benefits, traini

As the world recognizes International Women’s Day, Forest Protection Limited is recognizing and celebrating the women across our organization. Forestry and aviation have traditionally been male-dominated industries. At FPL, however, women are contributing in meaningful ways across every part of the operation. From critical support functions to frontline operational roles, their expertise strengthens teams, enhances decision-making, and supports the high level of performance a

Forest Protection Limited (FPL) proudly announces Naampreet Kaur as the 2025 Xenia Morales Women in Aviation Scholarship recipient. At just 19, Naampreet is already making her mark as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) student at Red River College Polytechnic. Driven by passion and purpose, Naampreet stands out for her academic excellence and commitment to advancing women’s representation in aviation. She combines full-time studies with hands-on industry experience, wo

2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the Great Miramichi Fire and 50 years of FPL’s partnership with the Province of New Brunswick in delivering continuous aerial wildfire suppression. These milestones remind us of the legacy we carry and the impact we continue to make. This week commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Great Miramichi Fire of 1825, one of the largest and most devastating wildfires in North American history. On October 7, 1825, a firestorm swept through north

Protecting Atlantic Canada’s forests and communities from wildfire is at the core of what we do at Forest Protection Limited (FPL). We partner with provincial governments to provide aerial wildfire suppression and forestry treatment services. When a wildfire ignites, our operations are built around teamwork, precision, and safety. Each suppression team includes a Bird Dog aircraft with an Air Attack Officer, four air tankers, and a shadow aircraft. Dedicated maintenance crews

In aerial wildfire suppression, the Bird Dog aircraft acts as the eyes, ears, and coordination hub in the sky—guiding operations and ensuring every move counts. It’s aerial wildfire firefighting in action. At FPL, our Bird Dog is crewed by a highly trained FPL pilot and a provincial Air Attack Officer (AAO). Together, they lead the charge in safely and strategically managing wildfire response from above. What does the Bird Dog do? Coordinates and directs airtanker drops Asses

Wildfire patrol missions are the first line of defense in aerial wildfire response. These dedicated aircraft patrol the areas of highest fire risk, scanning vast forested areas for early signs of wildfire—smoke columns, heat signatures, or lightning strikes. Once a wildfire is detected, the patrol aircraft: Confirms the fire’s location and size Assesses terrain, weather, and fuel conditions Communicates directly with provincial wildfire operations and ground crews When air ta

“I was the recipient of the Xenia Morales scholarship last year. I graduated almost a month ago, moved to BC, and I’m starting my apprenticeship tomorrow morning with a helicopter company that mainly does firefighting. I wanted to say thanks again—because I wouldn’t have made it this far without you!” This is why the Xenia Morales Women in Aviation Scholarship exists—to help break down barriers and open doors for more women to thrive in aviation careers. Whether you’re traini

Forest Protection Limited (FPL) seeks skilled and motivated pilots to join our aerial application operations team. This unique opportunity combines advanced technical aviation skills with a mission to protect Canada’s natural resources. The Challenges: Precision and Adaptability Flying for FPL presents a set of challenges that demand technical expertise, sharp decision-making, and adaptability: Technical Precision: Aerial application requires expert skill to execute precise f

At Forest Protection Limited (FPL), our pilots protect Canada’s forests, communities, and natural resources. This isn’t just flying—it’s technical, precise and mission-driven work that makes a measurable impact. You’re not alone in this mission. The GIS team meticulously sets treatment blocks and flight lines while mission analysts ensure you’re prepared for what’s ahead. Clear communication with base operations and the controller hub keeps you connected and supported from ta

Continuing our previous discussion regarding the significant role of Canadian forests in mitigating climate change and the methods used for their protection, let’s examine the complex relationship between climate change, defoliation, and the increase in wildfires. These three factors create a dangerous combination that affects our forests’ health and raises carbon emissions. Climate Change: The Catalyst for Increased Wildfire Risk The frequency and severity of wildfires have

Mitigating wildfires’ impact on climate change and air quality requires a multifaceted approach. Aerial forest management and fire suppression are critical to maintaining healthy forests and enhancing resilience, reducing fuel loads, preserving biodiversity, and preventing severe environmental and health impacts. In 2023, Canada faced an extraordinary wildfire season. With fires 18% larger than the 10-year average, and over 18 million hectares of land burned, the air quality

In a report published by Parks Canada, we gain profound insights into the indispensable role that Canadian forests play in the fight against climate change. This report, released last month and part of a series of “carbon atlases,” comprehensively analyzes how forests in Canada’s national parks contribute to carbon storage and emissions. Let’s examine the key findings, global implications, management strategies, and our collective responsibility for preserving these invaluabl

This article appeared in the Nov. 2023 AME Association Inc. Newsletter Forest Protection Limited (FPL) has forged a legacy of excellence in aerial operations since it transitioned to an Air Operator in 1972. A pivotal aspect of this success story is the evolution of their aircraft maintenance expertise. From humble beginnings to a specialized Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO), FPL’s journey showcases dedication, growth, and a relentless pursuit of superior aerial servic

Imagine a sprawling forest landscape, lush with greenery and filled with wildlife. This serene setting is treasured by many, but its beauty can be threatened by an unexpected disaster – wildfires. While traditional methods are essential, tapping into aerial firefighting is the best defence to minimize the damage from the destructive power of wildfires. Unleashing the Power of Fire Suppression When it comes to combating wildfires, time is of the essence. A quick initial respon