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NEW YORK, June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ridgewood Infrastructure LLC (“Ridgewood”), a number one infrastructure investor within the U.S. decrease center market, at present introduced the acquisition of Dauntless Air (“Dauntless” or the “Firm”), a market-leading aerial firefighting firm that gives emergency administration infrastructure for wildfire response.
Dauntless owns and operates the nation’s largest and most technologically superior fleet of Hearth Boss plane. These specialised water-scooping air tankers, also referred to as Single Engine Scoopers (SES), are purpose-built to quickly assault and include wildfires that threaten individuals, land and property. Dauntless deploys these plane, extremely skilled personnel and assist tools below long-term authorities contracts for wildfire suppression providers.
“Dauntless is a extremely differentiated emergency administration infrastructure platform working on the middle of an more and more vital public security mission,” mentioned Ryan Stewart, Associate at Ridgewood Infrastructure. “The Firm has established a management place via its scale, operational capabilities and long-standing relationships, and we stay up for partnering with Dauntless management and all the group to proceed rising the platform.”
Wildfire response has develop into a heightened public infrastructure precedence as hearth seasons proceed to develop longer and extra extreme in lots of areas of the US. Dauntless’ contracted, availability-based working mannequin gives authorities companies with devoted aerial firefighting capability that may be positioned when and the place it’s wanted most. This consists of pre-positioning plane earlier than hearth season, in anticipation of elevated hearth exercise, in addition to re-positioning all through the season primarily based on altering circumstances. This tactical flexibility and Dauntless’ operational effectiveness are important in defending communities, vital infrastructure and pure sources from evolving wildfire threats.
Brett L’Esperance, Chief Govt Officer of Dauntless, mentioned: “Our group is thought for delivering operational excellence, reliability, security and innovation in a few of the most difficult wildfire environments in North America. We’re trying ahead to constructing on that status in partnership with Ridgewood, which shares our dedication to constantly bettering our capabilities, investing in our individuals and offering our clients the very best degree of service.”
Dauntless has a long time of efficiency historical past with federal and state authorities clients. The Firm’s market place is additional supported by important obstacles to entry, together with specialised plane, rigorous operational necessities, regulatory certifications and extremely skilled personnel.
“Dauntless embodies most of the traits we search in an infrastructure funding: important providers, mission-critical operations, sturdy obstacles to entry and avenues for operational development,” mentioned Ross Posner, Managing Associate of Ridgewood Infrastructure. “We’re excited to assist administration as they proceed increasing the platform’s capabilities.”
Following the acquisition, Dauntless will proceed to be led by Brett L’Esperance and the prevailing administration group. Ridgewood intends to assist continued funding within the Firm’s operational capabilities, buyer partnerships and strategic development initiatives. The Firm may even pursue alternatives to broaden its emergency administration infrastructure platform via fleet development, adjoining service choices and selective acquisitions.
Phrases of the transaction weren’t disclosed.
About Ridgewood Infrastructure
Ridgewood Infrastructure is a number one infrastructure investor centered on important providers within the U.S. decrease center market. Ridgewood companions with administration groups to construct, scale and professionalize infrastructure platforms that present vital providers to clients and communities.
About Dauntless Air
Dauntless Air is an aerial firefighting firm deeply devoted to defending individuals, land and property from the devastation of wildfires. Armed with North America’s largest and most technologically superior Hearth Boss fleet, Dauntless helps fast preliminary assault operations and wildfire suppression efforts that allow wildland firefighters and authorities companies to place out fires sooner and at a considerably decrease value than conventional tanker strategies. To study extra, go to https://dauntlessair.com and comply with Dauntless Air on Instagram, Fb, X and LinkedIn.
Contact Data:
Ridgewood Infrastructure
527 Madison Avenue, 18th Flooring
New York, NY 10022
Telephone: (212) 867-0050
E-mail: Inquiries@RidgewoodInfrastructure.com
