As wildfire efforts continue in Minnesota, Ely Seaplane Base on Shagawa Lake is the only Forest Service seaplane base in the U.S. is helping. As wildfire efforts continue in Minnesota, seaplanes and other aircraft are helping firefighting crews battle the flames as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible. Ely Seaplane Base on Shagawa Lake, the only Forest Service seaplane base in the U.S., is home to three of six government-owned seaplanes for 90% of the year. The DHC-2 Da Havilland Beaver seaplane has is one aircraft that’s been used in containment efforts. You’re looking above 50% containment now across the fires, so that’s a good thing.