Australia’s firefighting aircraft fleet is prepared to respond to bushfires and hazardous weather as temperatures skyrocket ahead of summer.
Residents of Victoria and South Australia copped cyclone-strength winds, while temperatures hit 39 degrees in parts of western NSW in severe weather conditions on Wednesday.
Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain announced the 160-strong fleet from the National Aerial Firefighting Centre was ready to respond as the higher-risk weather season loomed.
“It’s really important that as we enter this higher risk weather season on the back of what was extraordinary heat and wind yesterday, that every Australian has a plan for the worst-case scenario,” she said at the RAAF Base Richmond north-west of Sydney on Thursday.
“While severe weather can occur at any time of the year, October to April is the peak time for flooding, tropical cyclones, heatwaves, bushfires and severe thunderstorms.”
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Trent Curtin said Wednesday was a strong example of dangerous weather conditions.
“We had 45 fires start yesterday, and with our 32 aircraft either deployed or on standby, we were well-prepared to bring those fires under control very, very quickly,” he said.
The aircraft are primarily used for firefighting and floods, but can also contribute to supporting evacuations, resupplying essential goods or logistics support.
The fleet, set up in 2024, supplements state and territory arrangements and is deployed when there are multiple disasters across the nation.
It includes firebombing and intelligence gathering aircraft.
AAP
Read the full article here
