There was an interesting story on Landline the other day about the history of bushfires in OZ. Those interested in some of the politics behind it all might want to check it out. As for the Skycranes, I think they are a great machine but as Jon S G said, you need to consider water delivered vs cost and the 214 or any medium for that matter is always going to come up trumps. In saying that, Australia is under equipped at times and we simply need to get outside help in to keep up but there is no way we should have foreign machines in the air when we have Australian machines on the gound. As for Johnny Mac, a little birdie told me that his tendering process has left a little to be desired in the last few years. It would be a shame to have such great and capable machinery and crews ready to go yet not get the contract simply due something so simple like that.
For those interested, here is the link to the landline story from last Sunday.
http://www.abc.net.au/landline/conte...6/s1774389.htm