MARTIN MARS MAKES A SPLASH IN REDDING
REDDING RECREATION, SHASTA COUNTY
August 22nd, 2008
The skies above Redding saw a rare spectacle of lightning dazzling the sultry afternoon of 
June 29th that started nearly 4000 fires in the rugged mountains west and north of Redding. The Forest Service, for the first time ever, called upon this flying boat, the Martin Mars, to aid in firefighting efforts. The airship, based in Canada, has been working the fires in the north state except for a brief stint in Big Sur. Thick smoke hanging over Lake Shasta kept the huge bomber, at times, floating until visibility cleared enough for it to get airborne and back into the fire fight.
The plane is capable of dropping 7200 gallons of water or a water/retardant gel mix in one drop. It skims across the lake at high speeds refilling it’s huge belly with water for another trip to one of the many fires burning in Shasta and Trinity Counties. The Martin Mars accomplishes a different task than smaller water tankers. Instead of a retardant drop to stop a fires spread, the Martin mars can douse a hot spot with one huge drop that effectively suppresses the fire.
The plane is so proficient at its duty, it finds time to bob in the lake waiting for it’s next assignment. Since August 5th, the plane has only made 18 drops. The plane is parked on the water near the Interstate 5 Pit River Bridge just north of Redding becoming a local, albeit temporary, tourist attraction.
The aircraft originally hauled cargo for the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1956 before being bought by a group of Canadian timber companies and converted to a firefighting tool. The plane is one of two operated by Coulson Flying Tankers based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Should fires break out in Canada, the Forest Service will be required to release the plane to fight fires on it’s home turf.
The success of the Martin Mars as a weapon in fighting fires may mean it will be a regular visitor to Lake Shasta. If you are interested in seeing the plane, take the Bridge Bay exit off I-5 and head for the marina. The plane is moored nearby and is impossible to miss! The “Lady of the Lake“, as she is fondly referred to, is a welcome visitor anytime to our beautiful area. A big thank you to Canada and the crew of the Martin Mars for its successful inaugural visit to Shasta County. We appreciate your presence, have a safe flight home and come to our aid again if the need arises.
Please contact me if I can assist you with any real estate matter:
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
