AIRCRAFT IN FOREST FIRE CONTROL IN ONTARIO

Aircraft play a major role in forest fire control in Ontario. The Ontario Department of Lands and Forests has used aircraft in this work since 1921 and today owns and operates a fleet of 44 float-equipped aircraft and leases five helicopters. The Province with extensive forest areas dotted with many lakes is naturally suited to the use of float-planes.Aircraft are deployed at a number of strategically located bases across the Province. The organization, location of air bases and communication system contributes to a highly flexible air operation permitting a rapid concentration of aircraft to fire areas. Commercial planes and aircraft operated by other government agencies are employed in peak load periods.The use of aircraft has been a main factor in reducing forest fire losses in Ontario. A number of uses and techniques are discussed. Although primarily for fire control use aircraft carry out flying during low fire danger periods in connection with other forestry or wildlife activities. The paper concludes with some of the essential requirements for an effective fire control air operation.