Bridger Aerospace Confirms the Mobilization of Super Scooper Aircraft to California to Assist in Firefighting Efforts

Rhea-AI Summary

Bridger Aerospace (NASDAQ: BAER) has mobilized its CL-415EAF "Super Scooper" aircraft to California for firefighting assistance, marking the earliest seasonal Scooper deployment in company history. The deployment comes in response to a Task Order from the US Forest Service at California's request, as the state faces unprecedented early-year fires.

Interim CEO Sam Davis highlighted the team's record-time mobilization following winter maintenance completion, with the first Scooper arriving in California over the weekend. Super Scoopers are noted for their efficiency in water delivery, helping to enhance firefighting effectiveness, protect property and habitat, and save lives.

Positive

• Earliest seasonal deployment in company history indicates strong operational readiness
• Secured government contract through US Forest Service Task Order
• Demonstrated rapid mobilization capabilities after maintenance completion

Negative

• None.

Insights

Emergency Response Analyst

The early deployment of Bridger Aerospace's Super Scooper aircraft to California represents a significant operational milestone with substantial business implications. The unprecedented early-season mobilization indicates accelerating climate-driven demand for firefighting services, potentially extending the traditional revenue-generating season for BAER.

The CL-415EAF Super Scooper's deployment through a U.S. Forest Service Task Order suggests immediate revenue generation while demonstrating the company's operational readiness and rapid response capabilities. These aircraft can scoop up to 1,412 gallons of water in 12 seconds and make multiple water drops in quick succession, providing essential firefighting capabilities that command premium rates, typically ranging from $25,000 to $35,000 per day.

The early deployment also positions Bridger strategically in the California market, which historically represents one of the largest firefighting service opportunities in the U.S. This could lead to extended contracts and additional task orders if the fire season continues to intensify.

Climate Risk Specialist

The January deployment of firefighting aircraft in California signals a critical shift in wildfire patterns that could reshape the entire aerial firefighting industry's business model. Historical data shows California's fire season typically peaked between July and October, but this early-year activity suggests a potential year-round demand for firefighting services.

This climate-driven market expansion presents both opportunities and challenges for Bridger Aerospace. While it enables longer operational periods and increased revenue potential, it also requires adapting maintenance schedules and operational strategies to support year-round readiness. The company's demonstrated ability to complete winter maintenance ahead of schedule positions them advantageously in this evolving market landscape.

BELGRADE, Mont., Jan. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (“Bridger” or “Bridger Aerospace”), (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW), one of the nation’s largest aerial firefighting companies, today confirmed the mobilization of Bridger’s CL-415EAF “Super Scooper” aircraft to California to assist in firefighting efforts.

Sam Davis, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented, “I am proud of our team, which mobilized in record time to be prepared to assist and supplement the existing wildfire fighting efforts in California. The team completed required winter maintenance and related preparations, and with our first Scooper arriving in California over the weekend, this marks the earliest seasonal Scooper deployment in Company history. Our entire team is prepared to support the firefighting community in any way possible.”

The deployment resulted from a Task Order from the US Forest Service at the request of the State of California which is battling fires with unprecedented destruction unexpectedly early in the year. Super Scoopers are an extremely effective tool that economically and expeditiously deliver water to a fire, helping to increase firefighting efficiency, limit damage to property and habitat, and ultimately save lives.

About Bridger Aerospace

Based in Belgrade, Montana, Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest aerial firefighting companies. Bridger provides aerial firefighting and wildfire management services to federal and state government agencies, including the United States Forest Service, across the nation, as well as internationally. More information about Bridger Aerospace is available at https://www.bridgeraerospace.com.

Media Contact
Prosek Partners
Pro-Bridger@prosek.com

Investor Contact
Alison Ziegler
Darrow Associates
201-220-2678
aziegler@darrowir.com

FAQ

What is the significance of Bridger Aerospace's (BAER) early 2025 Super Scooper deployment to California?

This deployment marks the earliest seasonal Scooper deployment in Bridger Aerospace's history, demonstrating their operational readiness and response to unprecedented early-year fires in California.

How did Bridger Aerospace (BAER) secure the California firefighting contract in January 2025?

Bridger Aerospace received a Task Order from the US Forest Service following a request from the State of California to assist with firefighting efforts.

What are the capabilities of Bridger Aerospace's (BAER) Super Scooper aircraft?

Super Scoopers are specialized aircraft that can efficiently and economically deliver water to fires, enhancing firefighting effectiveness, protecting property and habitat, and helping save lives.

When did Bridger Aerospace (BAER) deploy their first Super Scooper to California in 2025?

The first Super Scooper aircraft arrived in California over the weekend of January 13, 2025, following completion of winter maintenance and preparations.