Philippine Mars gets some service during a day of firefighting out of its Sproat Lake base.

The interior was open for public access.

The British Colombia government cancelled their contract with Coulson Flying Tankers after the 2013 fire season. Both Martin Mars aircraft were put up for sale and the US Navy had planned to buy C-FLYK for display at he National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL. Problems arose and the deal is yet to be consummated, so the big flying boat remains in Port Alberni painted in original US Navy colors.

Side profile shows the massive size of the Mars.

The launch of a Martin Mars flying boat... a rare and very impressive event to witness! This must be one of Philippine Mars' last launches ever, as it was taken out of service at the end of the 2006 fire season.

Philippine Mars is about to be launched onto Sproat Lake in what would be its last operational firefighting season. The hatch in the nose is already open, from where the steering and towing cable will soon be attached. Note the impressive wingspan and overall size of this amazing aircraft.

The Martin Mars truly is a huge flying boat... Philippine Mars is seen here in what would eventually turn out to be her last operational fire season.

Philippine Mars' engine #4 is receiving some necessary TLC. The next day it would be ready for its next mission and be launched onto Sproat Lake, for one of the last times in its career. This venerable lady was withdrawn from use at the end of this 2006 fire season, at the respectable age of 60.

White-tailed Philippine Mars seen floating peacefully on Sproat Lake near its Port Alberni base, in the last days of its very long career (60 years!). It would be permanently withdrawn from use at the end of the 2006 fire season.

Philippine Mars is being readied for its launch into Sproat Lake, a time-consuming operation. The four TimberWest guys put the huge size of this flying boat into proportion. The photo shows this aircraft's uncommon side drop doors (two on each side), which sistership Hawaii Mars does not have. That has the more conventional system with dropping doors in its belly. This photo was taken 10 days before this aircraft's 60th birthday, and during what would be its final fire-fighting season. This amazing machine was withdrawn from use at the end of the 2006 fire season.

Preparation for a new paint job did not mean the Mars would stop work fighting fires. The aircraft has the FIFT logo on the tail and carries no registration, but the side drop doors reveal that this is C-FLYK Philippine Mars.

The 'engine room' on the ship-like flight deck of the incredible Martin Mars. Many thanks to the friendly mechanics and to an equally friendly boat owner for getting us aboard.

Nothing more gorgeous than a red and white Mars flying boat on Sproat Lake on a clear bright sunny day.