A helicopter with intelligence gathering capabilities has arrived in Canberra ready to help protect the Territory this bushfire season.
The Specialist Intelligence Gathering (SIG) chopper named ‘Firebird 100’ landed at the ACT Rural Fire Service Helibase, where it will be housed for the summer.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentlemen said the new helicopter would use infrared cameras to provide real-time streaming and scanning of any hotspots for potential fires.
“This allows for the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) to quickly identify fires and alert the community, accurately map the location of the fire and inform the deployment of firefighting resources,” Mr Gentlemen said.
He said the helicopter, which also has a waterbombing capability, had been contracted as part of national arrangements to boost bushfire fighting resources.
“It’s an invaluable asset to the ACT community,” Mr Gentlemen said.
He said the helicopter’s arrival was a timely reminder to all Canberrans to be bushfire ready and to complete a Bushfire Survival Plan.
