FFMVic aerial firefighting fleet prepares for high-risk summer

Aircraft play a key role in supporting Victoria’s firefighting resources on the ground, alongside thousands of emergency services workers from Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), Country Fire Authority, Fire Rescue Victoria, the Victoria State Emergency Service and other agencies.

This year’s fleet includes additional fixed-wing aircraft with intelligence-gathering capability, which will enable faster tactical decision-making.

Two large airtankers will continue to operate, with the ability to work from smaller regional airports.

The fleet also includes a dedicated night firebombing helicopter, a Super Puma, with a capacity of 4,000L. The Super Puma is supported by an air attack supervision aircraft, which assists with fire detection and observation at night.

Two Aircranes are also en route to Victoria following their service period in North America. The state will be supported by three additional aircraft until the Aircranes arrive.

Aircraft are positioned across the state according to risk and can be moved as the fire risk changes. Victoria also has access to a call-when-needed fleet of more than 100 aircraft and can request additional aircraft from the national fleet.

The latest Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer indicates most of western and southwestern Victoria, northeastern Victoria and parts of greater Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and southwest Gippsland are at an increased risk of fire activity. Fire risk potential for remaining parts of the state is forecast to be normal for summer – which means fires are still possible.

Australia’s SA Ambulance Service recently boosted its aerial emergency response with a new Bell 412EP.