Bridger Aerospace secures 120-day US wildfire contracts for Super Scoopers
Iain Hoey
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US Forest Service contracts 120-day deployment of Bridger Super Scoopers
Bridger Aerospace has announced the receipt of two 120-day task orders from the United States Forest Service (USFS) for the deployment of four CL-415EAF “Super Scooper” aircraft.
According to Bridger Aerospace, these contracts were issued earlier than usual in the 2025 wildfire season and represent the longest individual task orders the company has received for these aircraft.
The company confirmed the aircraft will support firefighting operations across the United States, beginning with deployments in Minnesota.
Aircraft to support early season wildfire response
Bridger Aerospace stated that two of the CL-415EAF aircraft are already operational under the task order in Minnesota.
The start date for the second task order is still to be confirmed, with the final two aircraft remaining on standby under a “call when needed” arrangement.
The company explained this staged approach allows for rapid deployment in regions facing high wildfire risk, in line with the Forest Service’s pre-positioning strategy.
Bridger emphasises strategy for year-round readiness
Sam Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Bridger Aerospace, said the contracts support the company’s plan to ensure its fleet is ready throughout the year.
Davis stated: “These task orders recognize the Super Scoopers as one of the most effective tools in responding to wildfires as well as the Forest Service’s growing willingness to pre-position assets in order to more rapidly respond, helping to limit damage and better protect lives and property from this increasingly year-round threat.”
He added: “Securing these longer-term task orders also demonstrates the success of our strategy to have our fleet available and ready year-round to increase the visibility and predictability of our revenue.”
Contracts reflect wider shift in wildfire preparedness
Bridger Aerospace indicated that the Forest Service’s willingness to issue extended task orders reflects a broader move toward year-round preparedness.
The company said the earlier-than-usual timing and record duration of the 120-day orders indicate an increased emphasis on maintaining sustained aerial firefighting capacity.
Bridger noted that such contracts also provide greater operational certainty for planning and maintenance scheduling.
Bridger Aerospace secures 120-day US wildfire contracts for Super Scoopers: Summary
Bridger Aerospace has announced two 120-day task orders from the US Forest Service.
Each task order covers two CL-415EAF Super Scooper aircraft.
The contracts were issued earlier than usual in the wildfire season.
Two aircraft are currently deployed in Minnesota.
The second task order start date has not yet been confirmed.
The remaining aircraft will be kept on a call when needed basis.
Bridger Aerospace said the contracts support year-round fleet readiness.
CEO Sam Davis described the task orders as recognition of the aircraft’s firefighting effectiveness.
The company stated that the Forest Service is increasingly pre-positioning assets.
Bridger said the contracts help improve revenue predictability and operational planning.