Facing what was termed the most severe wildfire crisis since World War II by President Emmanuel Macron, France drew criticism for its readiness in handling the extensive fires. Amid the chaos, attention shifted unexpectedly towards Canada.
Voicing concerns, Didou Deyres, the vice-president of the forest fire defence department in Le Porge, highlighted the shortage of Canadair firefighting aircraft. The devastating blaze in late July destroyed 183 homes in the pine forests near Bordeaux.
While France possesses 12 of the recognizable yellow water bombers, only seven were operational during the peak of the crisis, according to Deyres.
Deyres indicated that having more firefighting resources available sooner, both on the ground and in the air, could have potentially altered the outcome of the situation.
Didiou Deyres, the vice-president of the forest fire defence department in Le Porge, France, says the country lacks firefighting resources. (Verity Stevenson/CBC)
In a light-hearted manner, Deyres jokingly pointed fingers at Canada, emphasizing the need for collaboration to modernize the aircraft fleet.
The demand for Canadian-made water bombers has surged in Europe due to droughts and successive heatwaves, intensifying the urgency for governments to enhance their aerial firefighting capabilities.
A Canadair firefighting aircraft drops water on a wildfire in the Fox-Amphoux communal forest near Pontevès, in France’s Var department, as drought conditions worsen following a heat wave and water shortages across much of the country, in July. (Manon Cruz/Reuters)
Since 2022, European nations have placed orders for 22 new Canadair 515 aircraft from De Havilland Canada. However, due to a prolonged production hiatus, the initial deliveries to European customers are not expected until 2028, with France anticipating a wait until 2032 for the remaining aircraft.
Laurent Nuñez, France’s Interior Minister, expressed hope that the delivery timelines would be adhered to as the hand-built Canadair planes are critical assets designed for long-term service.
Recognized for their efficiency, the Canadair aircraft can rapidly scoop approximately 6,000 litres of water within seconds, making them indispensable in firefighting operations across Europe.
Amid concerns over the strain on France’s existing fleet and the growing demand, questions arise regarding De Havilland’s production capacity and the necessity to modernize manufacturing processes.
The competition in the firefighting aircraft market is intensifying, with European companies and startups venturing into developing alternative aircraft models. Despite the evolving landscape, the Canadair aircraft’s longstanding track record remains unmatched.