Conair was asked to help out their neighbours in Alaska for the 2006 fire fighting season. DC-6 C-GIBS was modified with a drop tank that can be filled with the familiar red colored fire retardant.

last used by Conair Aviation Ltd

Parked on the grass in the Conair yard with C-GHCB (43) and C-GHLY (46) on a dreary day in Abbotsford. C-GHCB was scrapped in 2009

After many years fighting fires this DC-6 went to Everts as N851C

Tanker 51 preparing to drop a load of retardant on the beginnings of the Parks Highway Fire. This fire eventually became a major wildfire, raging intensely for more than four weeks, during which it consumed 467 km² (115,500 acres) of forest south and east of Nenana. It wasn't until 1 Nov 2006 before it was officially declared "out". It was by far the largest wildfire in Alaska in 2006.

Former Balar DC-6 HB-IBS was finally withdrawn by Conair in 2013. It was sold to Everts Air Cargo on November 19, 2013 and became N851CE.

One of four DC-6's present at Abbotsford during our visit. Three appear to be active with one in the boneyard