Wildfires Surge: Aerial Firefighting Demand Soars by 35%

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reporting a significant increase in the area destroyed by wildfires over the last two decades. The demand for aerial firefighting services has surged, with companies like 10 Tanker Air Carrier and Bridger Aerospace struggling to keep up. The U.S. Forest Service has extended a 10-year contract worth up to $7.2 billion to five providers, including 10 Tanker, to meet this growing need. The Palisades and Eaton fires in California, fueled by hurricane-force winds, consumed over 37,000 acres, destroyed or damaged more than 16,000 structures, and resulted in at least 28 fatalities. These fires were some of the most destructive in California’s history. Aerial firefighting companies are now operating year-round, with Bridger Aerospace reporting record revenue and profits, increasing its annual revenue estimate to $95 million. The conversion of aircraft into fire bombers is a complex process, taking about a year and a half. Governments and private companies are investing in new aircraft models to expand their firefighting fleets, with De Havilland’s new DHC-515 expected to enter operations by 2028.

Source: www.cnbc.com