CTV News reported both bombers could be back in service in as little as ten days. Keep sharing this petition! This is about protecting your communities!! http://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=401910 Premier Clark said on CTV News last night in relation to the expanding fire budget. "We are not going to stop spending money because it is expensive" http://bc.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=401928 7200 Gallons per drop per plane! That's compared to the 800 Gallon from the small float planes that have replaced them. This is a question of strategy, not money. Is the current fire fighting strategy working? Perhaps the Premier should ask the residents of her West Kelowna riding. In September 2013, after the contract was cancelled and a huge outcry ensued, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, representing every community in BC, passed the resolution below. The Premier needs to listen to All British Columbians!! #bringbackthemars "WHEREAS the Martin Mars water bomber has served the British Columbia Forest Service since 1960, and is the largest direct attack fire suppression aircraft in the world and without the Mars, the British Columbia Forest Service has no direct attack airplanes to fight urban interface wildfires; AND WHEREAS the contract between the BC Forest Service and Coulson Group, the operator of the Mars, expired on August 31, 2013, leaving communities in BC without protection provided by the Mars: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia be urged to renew the contract with Coulson Group and retain the Martin Mars waterbomber as part of its fire suppression program in the interests of its effectiveness in direct attacks, delivery cost, its long-term utility and its ability to create safe zones through strategic drops." And finally, Trena Carpenter sent along this poem. A truly beautiful ode to the Mars. The first thunder in the valley That brought all eyes to the sky A big majestic beauty Overhead these planes would fly Always ready for the call You would hear the engines roar A bomber off to do its job Always left u wanting more A red and white winged icon People came all the way to see way more than just a fighter They were remarkable to see! This year it's very eerie There is silence overhead The bomber sits upon the land too expensive the province said There's fires burning brightly Raging out of our control Had the bomber been around She would have known her role But now she sits beside her lake No job prospect in sight And yet her expertise is needed So her friends started her plight Bring back the water bomber To keep our province clear Of fires burning crazy We have the resource here! Lets hear the rumble in the valley See that shadow from the sky Sign the circulating petition Remind the province why Martin mars has served so loyal To keep the land secure Dropping many loads of water To keep our precious forests pure The first thunder in the valley That brought all eyes to the sky A big majestic beauty Overhead this plane should fly