NÎMES On July 8, La Poste issues a stamp illustrated by a Canadair from Civil Security

On July 8, 2024, La Poste issued a stamp illustrated by a Canadair of Civil Security. A bird flying to the aid of our forests, the Canadair, also called “Pelican” according to its radio callsign, has left its mark on minds and landscapes for decades.

Since its arrival in the Civil Security fleet, the Canadair has quickly become indispensable in the fight against fires, in addition to the action of firefighters and rescuers on the ground. France now has 12 Canadairs, positioned at the Civil Security base in Nîmes-Garons, in the Gard. They can be mobilized throughout the country, in the form of seasonal detachments or depending on the operational situation. As part of international solidarity, these aircraft can also intervene outside our borders.

Impressive in its size, colours and power, the Canadair is also impressive in the prowess and technical expertise of the 40 pilots who are capable of scooping 6 tonnes of water, over 800 metres, in 12 seconds and at 120 km/h. In one hour, a Canadair can make 6 drops. On average, a Canadair flies 270 hours per year, including 140 in firefighting, and makes 950 drops.

Good to know : The stamp will be sold in preview on Friday July 5 and Saturday July 6 in Nîmes at the Nîmes Romanité post office, Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 boulevard de Bruxelles, still in Nîmes. From July 8, 2024, it will be sold in many post offices, by subscription or by mail to Philaposte Service Clients Commercial ZI Avenue Benoît Frachon, BP 10106 Boulazac, 24051 PériGUEUX CEDEX 09, by telephone on 05 53 03 19 26 and by email [email protected] at the Musée de La Poste, 34 boulevard de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris by reservation with your tobacconist and on the website www.laposte.fr