Martin Mars Aircraft Information
Incident: Cub Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/4/2008
Lassen National Forest Fire Support
Martin-Mars firefighting aircraft may be aiding in area fires
Firefighters have another tool in their aerial arsenal this summer: the Martin-Mars seaplane. If you see a four-engine, red and white plane landing on an area lake or flying over the fire, it's not just any water-bomber. It is the world's largest water-scooping aircraft capable of delivering up to 7,200 gallons of water, foam, or gel, which are suppressants that are used in a direct-attack mode on a fire, rather than conventional airtankers delivering retardant for line construction. However, it can be used in conjunction with airtankers to slow the head or flank of a fire moving towards a retardant line.
The water source required for the use of this aircraft is a lake that would allow for a three-mile stretch of clear area, 1 1/2 miles of lake for scooping operations and an additional 1 1/2 miles of flat or descending terrain for climb out. Lakes will be identified ahead of time.
The Canadian-based Martin Mars water bomber is available for use on California fires, and may be using area lakes as water sources.
The plane's owners, Coulson Flying Tankers, is based in British Columbia.
Lake Safety◊
Operations do not require the lake to be closed to recreational activities. An advance party is attempting to alert the boating public through public service announcements and local signing at the lakes.
A small Cessna 206 amphibious aircraft, referred to as a Birddog, makes a low pass identifying a clear area on the lake for the Martin Mars to scoop. The birddog is equipped with an external siren and PA system to alert boats in the area. When the area is determined to be clear, the Martin Mars will commence scooping operations. If a suitable area clear of boats cannot be found, or if the public is not cooperative in clearing the area, then contact with the local boat patrol, if available, on the lake will be made for assistance.
Ground Safety◊
The safe drop height for this aircraft is 300 feet above the vegetation for gels, and 250 feet for water or foam.
Precautions for ground crews for this aircraft are no different than for conventional airtankers. The drop area needs to be cleared of all ground forces, but this aircraft does not pose any additional or different hazards than conventional airtankers.
Structure protection◊
USDA Forest Service's Missoula Technology and Development Center and Coulson Flying Tankers conducted structure protection performance tests that showed considerable promise.
