Martin Mars flies into action for Cowichan Lake wildfire

Martin Mars battles blaze at Skutz Falls It's only the second time the plane has seen action since it was called back into service by the B.C. government earlier this month.

After sitting on standby for several days, the huge Martin Mars water bomber has seen action dousing another wildfire -- only its second call this month.

The big plane was dispatched to a four hectare fire near Cowichan Lake, at Skutz Falls.

The human-caused blaze is not threatening any homes.

Officials ordered the Martin-Mars out of mothballs earlier this month as wildfires flared across southern B.C., but the decision has been criticized because of the $15,000 daily standby fees for the aircraft -- which can only be used in very specific cases.

Awesome sight to see the Mars Martin Bomber land in front of our dock tonight #Forrestfire #lakecowichan @BCVacation pic.twitter.com/Iv2Ovjc02U

— David Woods, PGA (@davidwoodspga) July 29, 2015