VIC Aerial fire fighting

[onehitwonder]

Coulson C130Q and an Avro RJ85 (like BAe 146 regional jets).

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The Napthine Government has announced more than $7.15 million in additional funding to bolster Victoria’s aerial firefighting fleet and increase the number of aircraft for the upcoming fire season.

**Victorian Government Media Release**

Minister for Bushfire Response Kim Wells said this fire season, 46 specialist aircraft will help to support firefighters on-the-ground which is four extra aircraft than the previous fire season.

“The Napthine Government is absolutely committed to increasing community protection and strengthening Victoria’s emergency management response this fire season,” Mr Wells said.

“With early forecasts indicating the state will face another significant fire season it is absolutely crucial that our fire agencies are well-resourced with specialist firefighting equipment to ensure Victoria is fire ready.

“This aircraft will ensure there will be a stronger and quicker initial attack to fires this summer and mean local communities will be better protected.

“This additional funding will boost the state’s capacity to respond to, and suppress, bush and grass fires in high fire danger areas, including the Latrobe Valley.”

The additional funding has ensured:

· $6.56 million for two large fixed wing airtankers to be based at Avalon airport, with a carrying capacity of approximately 12,000 and 17,000 litres of foam or retardant;

· A fixed wing aircraft with an on-board air attack supervisor to support the large air tankers; and

· $588,000 for a firebombing helicopter which can carry approximately 1,600 litres of water, to be based in the Latrobe Valley.

“Targeted aviation resources based in the Latrobe Valley will ensure rapid response to incidents across the whole Gippsland region and increase community safety,” Mr Wells said.

“In addition, Victoria will be the first Australian state to use the two large air tankers, which are some of the biggest firefighting aircraft available, and were most recently used to support firefighters in California.

The aircraft fleet will include:

· 2 large fixed wing airtankers;

· 1 firebombing helicopter to be based in the Latrobe Valley;

· 2 Erickson Aircranes capable of dropping 7,500 litres of water;

· 2 large Sikorsky helicopters capable of dropping 3,500 litres of water or transporting up to 17 firefighters;

· 5 medium sized firebombing helicopters;

· 15 light helicopters;

· 12 single engine airtankers;

· 2 infrared line-scanning fixed wing aircraft;

· 4 fixed wing firespotting aircraft; and

· 1 fixed wing aircraft to support the large air tankers

The specialist aircranes will be available for use from December, with the remaining fleet to arrive later this month.

Mr Wells said the fleet of aircraft is just one part of the firefighting resources that will be deployed to protect the state this upcoming fire season.

“Our agencies are currently preparing for a challenging summer and the aircraft fleet is just one component of the state's response, but all Victorians still need to ensure they have their own plan in place and are prepared for the risk of fires,” Mr Wells said.

“No matter where you live, all Victorians need to understand their fire risk and be ready to act if fire breaks out. The message is simple: leave and live.”

Mr Wells said Victoria’s fire agencies and supporting partners are committed to working together and with the community to ensure a safer Victoria this fire season.

“The Coalition Government’s significant investments in Victoria’s fire services and the broad suite of emergency management reforms that have been introduced over the past four years are helping to ensure Victoria is now better protected.”

[OZBUSDRIVER]

There must be some serious vested interests that will not even entertain amphibious bombers to be even considered. It must be the same people who measure bulldozer blades.

[onehitwonder]

Where does an amphibious land? The bay? Eildon? Where else?

[framer]

I'd be interested to know what you mean with the bulldozer blade reference busdriver. Cheers

[OZBUSDRIVER]

Easy, talk to the guys up around Dead Horse Gap in the 03 fires....also reference in commission report same fire.

To be more specific, fires that burnt through south of Corryong.

[OZBUSDRIVER]

This will turn in to the same exercise. I am not nor ever will volunteer with the CFA. I have family that work within the system on both volunteer and within the DSE. My perspective is guided by reading just about every commission report on Australian fires since the advent of the www. Also listening to my relis during and after fire events in NE Vic. And, reading one bloody good book on aboriginal fire management that leaves modern methods seriously deficient.

Getting that out of the way. Until the authorities allow these assets here and give them a red hot go without deliberately hamstringing their operation, we will never know how good or "bad" they are.

[OZBUSDRIVER]

From...

Select Committee on the recent Australian Bush Fires 25/07/2003

Mr McARTHUR —Just as an aside, you comment in your report that one of the bulldozers was unable to operate because the blade did not meet DSE specifications. That is an interesting twist of technology. Could you enlighten the committee as to what meets specifications in terms of bulldozer blade width?

Mr S. Paton —I have no idea what the DSE blade specification width is, nor could I care less. But I know that one float, towed up from Eildon, presented itself on the driveway across from my ski shop and a little bloke in a pair of overalls and a fast truck turned him back to Eildon. They were appealing for bulldozers to come and help them with the forest. I heard the commotion and went over to try and find out what was happening. This bloke had to turn around and go away again because his bulldozer blade didn't suit the spec. God knows whether that changed in the next 48 hours or not, but that was the status at the time.


Mr McARTHUR —Did they measure the blade to make sure?

Mr S. Paton —Yes; they ran a tape over it and looked at it from different angles.

As (also) was related to me by my cousin...the blade was too big. Anything bigger than a D4 blade is not allowed. My Dads day they were using D9s!

[framer]

Thanks for that.
No common sense on display there then.