LIVE 5.05pm: According to latest radio communications fire-bombing aircraft (Helitack 303 and 333) have been stood down, landing at Mangalore Airport (near Shepparton). It is unclear whether fixed-wing aircraft will continue operating.
4.32pm: Helitack 303 just called in to Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) aviation stating “we may have to stand down as there are thunderstorms approaching.”
Helitack 303 was water-bombing the Hepburn fire, for which an Emergency Warning is currently in place.
