- The Large Air Tanker (LAT) has returned to Bundaberg Airport for the Queensland bushfire season.
- A Eurocopter and waterbombing Blackhawk are also Bundaberg-based.
- Queensland's aerial firefighting fleet of 13 aircraft has a waterbombing capacity of more than 32,000 litres.
(Picture and audio link below)
The 10,000-litre LAT and crew have touched down at Bundaberg Airport for bushfire season.
Being based in Bundaberg means the LAT can readily respond in coastal and inland areas across Queensland.
A Eurocopter and a waterbombing Blackhawk join the LAT in Bundaberg, supporting hardworking Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) staff and volunteer firefighters, and Queensland Fire & Rescue (QFR) personnel.
On standby at Toowoomba Airport for the fire season are two Bell 214B helicopters, two AirTractor AT-802 Fixed wing bombers, two air attack supervision platforms and a specialist intelligence gathering light helicopter.
This brings the Queensland Fire Department's (QFD) contracted aerial fleet to 13 aircraft with a total waterbombing capacity of more than 32,000 litres.
QFD has access to approximately 150 additional aircraft, available on-call when needed.
The aircraft fleet is coordinated by QFD's experienced State Air Desk, ensuring the best combination of aircraft, personnel and resources for major bushfires.
For advice on Bushfire Survival Plans, preparing property and bushfire season information, visit: fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfires or getready.qld.gov.au
As stated by Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith:
"The LAT is an important fire season asset for the Bundaberg community and Queensland.
"The LAT and fleet of firefighting helicopters and fixed wings are a Miles Government investment in doing what matters for bushfire safety."
As stated by Fire and Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd:
"Queensland's highly skilled Rural Fire Service Queensland members and volunteers and QFD personnel are well-prepared for the bushfire season.
"The aerial firefighting response fleet of 13 includes the LAT and delivers an extra layer of support for firefighters and peace-of-mind for Queenslanders.
"But even with an aerial firefighting capability, there's no room for complacency when it comes to preparing a Bushfire Survival Plan and being bushfire aware."
As stated by Queensland Fire Department Commissioner Steve Smith:
"Our aircraft play a significant role in supporting crews on the ground during major bushfires but aren't limited to just waterbombing. They are also used for mapping, intelligence and planning throughout the season," Mr Smith said.
"As part of RFSQ's preparations for each bushfire season, air operations personnel from RFSQ and QFR undertake training to sharpen their skills ahead of the season.
"Although we work closely with landholders and other agencies to conduct major mitigation work in the lead-up to bushfire season, it is so important that everyone's properties are ready. It can make all the difference if the worst were to happen."
As stated by Rural Fire Service Queensland Chief Officer Ben Millington:
"The biggest risk this bushfire season is expected to be grass fires, which have the potential to spread quickly in the significant fuel loads built up over the past two years due to rainfall," Mr Millington said.
"We are already starting to see fire activity and we are keeping a close eye on conditions.
"QFD's aerial firefighting fleet will continue to provide significant support to ground crews as we see fire activity increase over the coming months."
Audio and pics: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/bpl8474o5i8o7b6rit3ut/ANa4HbIDP9kuuBuI5_SEnUc?rlkey=zdd09relv1tlyg69kvlqmovnc&st=6rgoxhck&dl=0
