A new firefighting helicopter with state-of-the-art fire detection technology has been contracted for the first time this bushfire season.
The new helicopter with Specialist Information Gathering (SIG) capability has already spotted several fires, enabling a faster and more efficient response.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman said the recent Tidbinbilla and Mt Gingera fires were spotted by the SIG helicopter on a lightning detection run, enabling the ACT Rural Fire Service to respond quickly.
“Without this new capability, these fires may not have been detected until the next day when they were much larger,” Mr Gentleman said.
He said the SIG provided real time mapping and intelligence during the recent Corin fire, quickly identifying areas for staging and refuelling to assist ground crews arriving at the remote location.
He said the Government would continue to allocate more funds to Emergency Services to ensure the Territory was prepared and protected during the bushfire season.
“The helicopter uses an infrared camera to detect and map hot spot areas that can’t easily be seen from the ground,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Hot spot identification reduces firefighter fatigue, water usage and helps manage the risk of re-ignition.
“ACT Parks and Conservation has used the helicopter to protect our region from future fires by mapping hazard reduction locations, informing burn plans and monitoring vegetation growth.”
He said its success meant the helicopter was in high demand from the ACT and NSW fire agencies, and it had so far assisted NSW Rural Fire Service at fires in the Bredbo, Cooma, Kosciusko National Park and Tumut.
