NSW Rural Fire Service unveils firefighting fleet

NSW RFS

Photo by NSW RFS

The Australian NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) unveiled its aerial firefighting fleet during an event on RAAF Base Richmond where it will continue to operate from

NSW Minister for Emergency Services, David Elliott, thanked the base for its continued support: “The RAAF has been first class in hosting us. Regardless of the emergency, the Air Force has been willing to assist our agencies.”

Carl Newman, Senior ADF Officer for RAAF Base Richmond Air Commodore, added: “In every bushfire season since 2015, RAAF Base Richmond has demonstrated consistent first-hand support to NSW RFS aerial firefighting.

“The airbase support we provide – everything from air traffic control, emergency services, refuelling and even infrastructure – is essential to keeping them in the fight.”

Airtanker carries more than 15,000 liters of retardant

The NSW RFS fleet includes the Cessna Citation observer aircraft and Boeing 737 Large Air Tanker which can carry more than 15,000 liters of retardant and was extensively used during last year’s bushfire season. Both of these aircraft are permanently based at RAAF Base Richmond, where they can reach bushfire-affected parts of NSW within an hour.

Other additional aircraft include the BK 117 and Bell 412 rescue helicopters, which are able to use the base for refuelling during operations. During last year’s high-risk weather season, RAAF Base Richmond supported the Boeing 737, as well as RJ85, C-130, and DC-10 air tanker aircraft conducting firefighting missions. Resident units remain prepared to support NSW RFS and other interstate emergency services during the 2020/21 fire season.

Roles and capabilities at the base are ready

“Using the last bushfire season as an example, RAAF Base Richmond provided the airbase support necessary to enable RFS aerial firefighting, while also transporting volunteer firefighters and their equipment from interstate, and accommodated them on the base as they supported local agencies,” Newman said. “We also used airfield firefighting to support deployed NSW RFS heli-bases and contributed airfield engineering to the recovery efforts.

“There are a host of roles and capabilities at this base that are ready, should NSW RFS, or any emergency service organisation, require assistance from Defence to provide effective aid to the civil community should it be needed.”