Opposition calls on government to give an update on water bomber staffing levels

    Monday, 24 June 2024 12:00

    By Tonya Organ

    Last year government reported having only 7 pilots available to staff 3 planes and have not issued a comprehensive update since then.

    Shadow Forestry Minister Pleaman Forsey is calling on government to give an update on the province’s water bomber staffing levels. Forsey highlighted that previously, government maintained 6 water bombers and 18 pilots. However, according to information released last July, that’s not the case. Last year government reported having only 7 pilots available to staff 3 planes and have not issued a comprehensive update since then. Forsey says “while Quebec and Ontario's assistance with battling blazes in Churchill Falls is appreciated, there are concerns regarding our own preparedness.” Forsey wonders if the province has the pilot and crew capacity to deploy all four planes simultaneously. 

     

     

     

    To report an error, submit a news tip, or provide feedback, please e-mail news@bayfm.ca or call (709) 637-0183.

    More from Local News

     

     

     

    BayFM recognizes support from the following agencies:

                        

    Today's Weather

    • Corner Brook

      Heavy Rain

      High: 9°C | Low: 3°C

    • Deer Lake

      Heavy Rain

      High: 6°C | Low: 1°C

    • Stephenville

      Heavy Rain

      High: 8°C | Low: 3°C

    Recently Played

    Podcasts

    • BayFM On-Demand

      Trash Talk Thursday, January 15, 2026

      Listen to the first edition of Trash Talk Thursday for 2026 right here.

    • The Plain Truth

      The Plain Truth, January 14, 2026

      Host Paula Sheppard's guest this week is Destiny Hopkins from the Corner Brook Status of Woman Council. Destiny is Project Lead for a project that is looking at technology facilitated gender based violence and that includes on-line violence.

    • Corner Brook In Council

      Corner Brook City Council Meeting, Tuesday January 13, 2026

      Corner Brook City Council Meeting, Tuesday January 13, 2026