Sask. Public Safety Agency adds Dash-8 airtanker to firefighting fleet

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is adding the Dash-8 Multi-Role Emergency Response (Q400MRE) to its fleet, replacing older models. (Source: SPSA)

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is celebrating the delivery of the newest addition to its airtanker fleet.

The Dash-8 Multi-Role Emergency Response (Q400MRE) airtanker will be joining the SPSA’s La Ronge-based fleet.

The SPSA is the first organization to add the plane to its fleet in Canada.

Speaking to media at the Regina International Airport on Tuesday, Community Safety Minister Michael Weger praised the versatile aircraft, saying it combined “the firefighting capability of a modern airtanker with the flexibility of a passenger, cargo, evacuation and medical transport aircraft.”

SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said the aircraft’s multirole nature will assist the agency in its responses to future emergencies.

The plane can go from having 64 passenger seats, to six stretchers and their associated medical equipment and teams, to being able to haul 9,000 kilograms of cargo and 10,000 litres of water or retardant for firefighting.

The CV580 airtankers that currently serves in the SPSA’s fleet will be phased out as the Q400MRE is added. The first CV580 will now be retired as this first new airtanker enters operation for next wildfire season.

The SPSA is expecting the arrival of two more Q400MRE’s in the next two years, one in 2027 and one in 2028.