France Prepares Summer Firefighting Plan Amid Heatwave and Aging Fleet

France is grappling with the escalating threat of forest fires, exacerbated by a severe heatwave and an aging aerial firefighting fleet. The government is preparing an "endurance plan" for the summer, aiming to bolster its defenses against the growing risk.

The nation's fleet of 23 water-bombing and transport aircraft, including the iconic 12 Canadairs, is showing signs of strain. These aircraft, some dating back to the 1970s, have been heavily utilized, leading to operational challenges. A parliamentary report revealed that several Canadairs were grounded on certain days during the summer of 2024 due to their condition.

While President Emmanuel Macron had previously pledged the acquisition of 16 new Canadairs by 2028, this plan has been revised. The government now intends to purchase four additional Canadairs and renew the existing fleet. The current fleet also includes eight Dash aircraft, capable of carrying larger payloads but less maneuverable than Canadairs, and 37 helicopters used for stabilization and precise water drops.

This renewed focus on firefighting capabilities comes after devastating fires in southern France during the summers of 2022 and 2023, which consumed tens of thousands of hectares. The government's "endurance plan" is set to be discussed by ministers, highlighting the urgency of addressing the aging fleet and the increasing threat of wildfires.