Bridger Aerospace and TracPlus integrate aerial firefighting data into IGNIS wildfire platform

by Aerial FirefightingBreaking NewsProducts

Bridger Aerospace has partnered with TracPlus to bring real-time aerial firefighting data into its IGNIS wildfire intelligence platform, giving incident teams a unified view of aircraft activity and suppression efforts on the fireline.

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc., one of the United States’ leading aerial firefighting companies, said the integration will combine TracPlus’ aircraft and mission data with Bridger’s wildfire intelligence software to support wildland firefighting operations.

TracPlus’ real-time aircraft position, aviation intelligence, and drop event data will be integrated directly into Bridger’s IGNIS platform. The companies said the collaboration is expected to give firefighters, aviation teams, and incident managers a single live operating picture, helping them see where aircraft are working, where suppression activity has taken place, and how those actions affect the wider incident environment.

“We are thrilled to partner with a tried-and-true data provider in the wildfire industry,” said Sam Davis, CEO of Bridger Aerospace. “As we bring together TracPlus and their data integration with IGNIS, we believe this combined solution will enhance tangible situational awareness for our own aerial firefighting operations as well as incident management teams across the nation. Technology is the new frontier in our mission to protect lives, property, and the environment and we just got stronger with TracPlus as a strategic partner.”

The integration aligns with calls for more connected and interoperable wildfire technology as response operations become increasingly data driven. Bridger Aerospace and TracPlus said linking the two platforms is intended to reduce information silos and help ground crews and air assets work from the same picture of resources, aircraft activity, and suppression progress.

“Trying to do everything yourself isn’t the best way in modern wildfire response,” said Todd O’Hara, CEO of TracPlus. “Our industry moves forward when specialists each perform what they do best and connect their work. By delivering our expertise in bringing aviation data together from every source and streaming it directly into the IGNIS platform, we are empowering the people on the frontline with a more complete operational picture to do their jobs better and help keep their communities safe.”

Bridger Aerospace selects TracPlus to support aerial firefighting fleet performance

by Aerial FirefightingBreaking News

Bridger Aerospace has selected FireFlyte, powered by TracPlus, to provide automated mission recording and fleet-wide operational insight as wildfire risks continue to rise.

The aerial firefighting operator will use the platform to build a detailed operational picture of each mission, capturing aircraft position, timing, firefighting mode and drop-line data from take-off to landing.

The system is designed to help Bridger assess how each aircraft performs on every deployment, including where drops are made in relation to the fire perimeter and how suppression activity develops as conditions change.

According to TracPlus, the data is captured once at source rather than reconstructed afterwards, with an Aerial Firefighting Report generated for each mission.

Sam Davis, CEO of Bridger Aerospace, said: “For Bridger, the goal is not just operational awareness, but also continuous improvement. Mission data from FireFlyte allows us to make sure every aircraft, on every fire, is performing at the highest possible level.

“FireFlyte also enhances our situational awareness so we can increase our focus on safe operations by using data to highlight trends and maintain our high tempo in the field. This visibility gives us the best possible data to perform our mission to protect what matters – lives, property and the environment.”

The agreement covers Bridger’s fleet, including six CL-415EAF Super Scoopers, which can draw up to 1,412 gallons of water per pass, as well as Air Attack and Multi-Mission aircraft, Pilatus PC-12s, King Air 350s and Daher Kodiaks fitted with imaging and infrared systems.

Todd O’Hara, CEO of TracPlus Global, said: “The industry is shifting towards automated, complete mission records. Agencies like CAL FIRE and Australia’s national programme are already there. What’s changing now is that operators are making the same move. Bridger is leading that from the front. By capturing every mission automatically, the same way the major agencies do, they can focus on what they do best: flying the mission and keeping communities safe. That’s what we built TracPlus to do. We’re glad to be part of it.”

Bridger Aerospace secures 120-day US wildfire contracts for Super Scoopers

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured NewsWildland Fire

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.

Bridger Aerospace appoints new Chief Financial Officer

by Featured NewsPeople

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, a leading independent provider of aerial firefighting services, has appointed Eric Gerratt as Chief Financial Officer.

The announcement comes ahead of Bridger’s planned merger with Jack Creek Investment Corp – a special purpose acquisition company – and subsequent listing on NASDAQ.

Tim Sheehy, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Bringing on a CFO with public company experience was important as Bridger makes this transition.

“Eric brings extensive financial reporting and management experience to our company, as well as acquisition and integration expertise, having helped grow his former company to nearly $1.0 billion in revenue.

“We look forward to him being a valued addition to the Bridger team as we expand throughout North America and globally to meet the rising demand for critical aerial firefighting services.”

Eric Gerratt joins Bridger from US Ecology, a leader in environmental services, where he was Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. He spent 15 years with US Ecology until its recent acquisition by Republic Services, during which time US Ecology’s revenue grew from $166 million to nearly $1.0 billion.

Prior to joining US Ecology, Gerratt served as Vice President of Accounting for SuperValu, Inc., held various director level accounting and finance positions at Albertsons, Inc. and spent six years with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Gerratt is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Idaho.

Commenting on his new position, he said: “I am excited to join Bridger, a company that has a strong track record of financial performance and significant opportunities for growth as it prepares to go public. As climate conditions evolve and wildfires grow in number and severity, the Company’s fully integrated aerial firefighting solution is critical to save property and minimize economic and environmental damage.

“With Bridger’s unique positioning, the potential for value creation is tremendous, and I look forward to working with its experienced management team to expand these critical services.”