The Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville today announced a record fleet of 50 aircraft that will include water bombing aircraft, air supervision and air intelligence-gathering aircraft will hit the skies for the 2019 – 20 bushfire season.
The fleet includes two large air tankers, which can carry up to 15,000 litres of water, foam or retardant, and two 7500 litre “Elvis” Erikson [Sikorsky] Sky Cranes, which provide essential support to other aircraft across the state.
“A 50-strong air fleet and our dedicated firefighters will ensure Victoria has the strongest possible fire response – both in the air and on the ground as we head into fire season,” Neville said.
It also includes a number of specialist night-time aircraft, which can conduct firebombing and intelligence operations after dark, if conditions are suitable.
Victoria’s emergency service agencies are preparing for an elevated fire season for East and West Gippsland, with the rest of the state expected to experience similar conditions as last fire season.
Aircraft will provide immediate fire response and pre-determined dispatch across the state, allowing water bombing aircraft to respond to fires at the same time as fire trucks.
Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp will work with fire agencies to ensure state-wide coverage is available at short notice.
“These 50 aircraft will be strategically positioned across the state and work with our firefighters to help keep communities safe,” Crisp said.
The Victorian fleet has been critical in stopping the spread of fire over recent years, providing immediate response in the early stage of fires and supporting firefighters on the ground, including across eastern Victoria earlier this year.
Firefighting aircraft were dispatched 2466 times during 2018–19, an 11 per cent increase on the previous year.
Victoria will also be supported by a surge capacity of up to 100 aircraft, which can be called to supplement the core fleet when needed.
