Eleven firefighting aircraft have arrived in north east Victoria to be stationed at airbases across the region ready to respond to bushfires this summer.
The aircraft are to be used by Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) to respond to bushfires in the region and across the State.
Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer at FFMVic, Jarrod Hayse said aircraft played a critical role in FFMVic’s response to fires, by supporting front line firefighters to contain bushfires before they grew and impacted the community and environment.
“As soon as a fire is reported, aircraft are deployed, giving on-ground firefighters the best chance of limiting the size and spread of the fire in the early stages,” Mr Hayse said.
“A fast, aggressive first attack is the most effective way to limit the impact of bushfires. Keeping fires small also makes it safer for our firefighters,” he said.
Mr Hayse said the pilots and Air Attack Supervisors were highly trained and very experienced.
“They know our landscape, fire behaviour and how to get the most out of aircraft,” the A/g Deputy Chief Fire Officer said.
“They communicate directly with ground crews to make sure that air and ground operations are well coordinated and effective,” he said.
Mr Hayse said that last season FFMVic fire crews responded to 248 fires on public land and were able to contain more than 87 per cent of fires to under five hectares in north east Victoria.
He said the region was well resourced and prepared to respond to bushfires.
