- Queensland's aerial firefighting fleet has been boosted with an additional three aircraft.
- The fleet's water bombing capacity has increased by about 8,000 litres.
- A UH-60 Black Hawk will be based in Bundaberg along with the Large Air Tanker.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services' (QFES) aerial firefighting fleet has been enhanced in anticipation of increased fire activity this season following three years of wet conditions.
The overall fleet has been boosted by an additional three aircraft, including an intelligence gathering aircraft and two fixed-wing water bombing aircraft.
A UH-60 Black Hawk will also form part of the state's aerial fleet for the first time since the 2019 season, with the faster machine bringing increased endurance and an ability to carry up to 4,000 litres.
The Large Air Tanker (LAT) has also returned to Bundaberg where it will be based over the coming months ready to respond when needed.
Aircraft base operations have also been improved, with the Retardant and Suppressant Computerised Aircraft Loading (RASCAL) system now being used, increasing safety and accuracy when loading retardant.
Quotes attributable to Minister Ryan:
"Queenslanders are no stranger to the dangers of bushfires and with hot, dry conditions expected to return this season, it's important to ensure our firefighters have all the tools they need to keep communities safe," he said.
"This is a significant boost to the capacity of Queensland's aerial firefighting operations with the fleet's overall water bombing capacity increased by about 8,000 litres.
"It's also great to see the return of the Large Air Tanker to the Queensland fleet, in what is anticipated to be a busy season.
"With hardworking crews on the ground and the largest number of consistently contracted aircraft the state has ever had; communities can be assured we are ready for the increased fire activity expected."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith MP:
"All of the Bundaberg community is excited that the LAT is back for another fire season," said Mr Smith.
"Strategically located in Bundaberg, the Large Air Tanker is an important asset that assists our brave firefighters on the frontline as they protect our regional communities in the face of dangers associated with fire.
"I'm excited to welcome the crew back to Bundaberg for another season as we continue to extend this vital partnership that has come about through the Palaszczuk Labor Government's investment to our front line.
"I also welcome the presence of the UH-60 Black Hawk in Bundaberg.
"It's exciting for the community to host the Black Hawk as the aircraft joins the ranks of the Queensland Fire and Emergency aerial fleet for the first time."
Quotes attributable to Commissioner Leach:
"The combination of drying fuels, forecast below average rainfall and above average temperatures has increased the fire risk across Queensland this season," he said.
"Under these conditions a heavy initial attack, which our aircraft play a key role in, is our best chance of bringing fires under control quickly.
"The diversity of the fleet ensures we have a range of aircraft to meet different needs, from water bombing through to aerial surveillance and mapping.
"Already this season we've seen multiple fast-moving grassfires in the southern half of the state, with aircraft providing support to ground crews by dropping more than 1.5 million litres of suppressant in the last two months.
"QFES is well-equipped to deal with bushfires and our highly skilled and well-trained firefighters are ready to respond, but bushfire preparation is a community effort and now is the time to ensure you are prepared."
Background:
- QFES' aerial fleet now comprises of 13 aircraft which are contracted for the fire season, with approximately 150 additional planes and helicopters available in a call-when-needed capacity.
- Contracted aircraft are based in Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Toogoolawah but are able to be repositioned across the state to meet operational needs.
