GAYLORD, MI (WOWO) The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has added two water-scooping aircraft to its wildfire response fleet ahead of what officials describe as the peak of the state’s fire season.

The new resources were deployed this spring to strengthen aerial firefighting capabilities and have already been used in response to at least one wildfire in northern Michigan.

Aircraft added for peak fire season response

According to the DNR, the agency is leasing two Fire Boss aircraft units to assist with wildfire suppression. Each aircraft is capable of scooping up to 800 gallons of water from a lake in approximately 15 seconds before returning to drop water on active fires.

Officials said the aircraft are intended to improve response times and increase the volume of water dropped during fast-moving wildfire events.

The planes will be stationed at the Gaylord Regional Airport, a central location selected to allow quick deployment to wildfire incidents across the state.

Deployment schedule and operational details

The DNR said the aircraft are being leased from late April through early June, a period historically associated with increased wildfire activity in Michigan.

Key operational details include:

• Two leased Fire Boss aircraft deployed for seasonal wildfire response
• Capable of scooping 800 gallons of water in about 15 seconds
• Based at Gaylord Regional Airport for statewide coverage
• Contract period runs from late April through early June

The agency said the aircraft are designed to support rapid initial attack efforts, particularly in remote or heavily forested areas.

Early use in northern Michigan fire response

Earlier this week, the aircraft were used to assist firefighters responding to a wildfire on federal land near Mio.

Officials said aerial support is often critical in the early stages of wildfire containment, especially when ground access is limited or conditions change quickly.

Officials highlight response capabilities

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Aviation Manager Kevin Jacobs said the addition of the aircraft improves the state’s ability to respond quickly to emerging fires.

“They can get to a fire scene fast,” Jacobs said. “Having two of these planes working in tandem can make a difference in our ability to contain fires and protect people, property and natural resources.”

Next steps

The DNR said the leased aircraft will remain in service through early June, with wildfire activity and weather conditions expected to guide operational use. State officials will continue monitoring fire risk levels as the seasonal deployment period continues.