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Martin Mars water bomber may rise again at Sproat Lake

With forest fires burning across B.C. and fire-related haze over parts of Vancouver Island, there is news that the Martin Mars water bomber could once again be used by the provincial government.
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The Martin Mars water bomber, based at Sproat Lake, was retired from firefighting service in B.C. in 2013. It could be back in action this week.

With forest fires burning across B.C. and fire-related haze over parts of Vancouver Island, there is news that the Martin Mars water bomber could once again be used by the provincial government.

The last of the water bombers, which are the world’s largest piston-powered, propeller-driven aircraft, was retired from firefighting service in B.C. in 2013. More cost-effective and efficient options were cited in the decision.

The Martin Mars will be put in the water at Sproat Lake at 8 a.m. today as preparations for a possible return begin, said Wayne Coulson, CEO of Port Alberni-based Coulson Group.

“Most likely by Wednesday afternoon we’ll start running the motors in and we’ll start doing some test flights in the aircraft. And then the government, they can decide if they want it or not.

“We could be ready as early as Thursday.”

Preparations include bringing crews back to Port Alberni from other work to train for using the Martin Mars.

Coulson said that a fire near Sproat Lake looks to be a challenge.

“Based on the fire that I’m seeing, unless they have a bunch of freed-up resources, they’re going to need some additional help.”

A statement issued Monday by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations said there is a “master standing offer” for use of the Martin Mars. That standing offer was in place for government use of Coulson helicopters and the Martin Mars would be included under terms of the existing contract, said Coulson.

“It’s not like we have a contract for the Mars, but they’ve asked for a bunch of information [Monday] which we’ve provided them.”

He said there has been something of a “public outcry” for use of the huge plane to fight fires.

The government said that although more cost-effective options are available “in the right circumstances in can now be called upon to supplement the airtanker fleet.”

“We’re required to give Coulson Group three days’ notice to use the Mars, and it is currently not available to us from July 20 to July 31.”

jwbell@timescolonist.com