Victoria’s aerial firefighting fleet is ready to take to the skies and support hardworking ground crews ahead of another high-risk fire season.

This year’s fleet features 54 aircraft, including two new fixed-wing aircraft with infrared capabilities that capture higher-quality images than ever before, enabling better decision-making and more accurate mapping.

Essendon Fields Airport will play a key role in housing several of these aircraft. Firebird 308, an air attack supervision and information-gathering helicopter, is making its fifth visit to Essendon Fields. Firebird 308 is equipped with advanced technology including an infrared high-definition video camera, allowing real-time streaming to control centres to improve operational decision-making. It is crewed and operated by Microflite.

Joining Firebird 308 is the Blackhawk EH-60L Helitack 345. This aircraft boasts a 4,250-litre tank and a hover refill pump that enables refills in just over a minute from nearby water sources such as dams, lakes, pools, or oceans. Making its third appearance at Essendon Fields, the Eurocopter AS322L Super Puma Helitack 349 is one of the most advanced firefighting aircraft in the world, operating as part of the night fire aviation program with a capacity of 4,250 litres.

Essendon Fields Airport also welcomes back the Erickson Air Crane, a high-volume Type 1 helicopter with the capacity to carry 10,000 litres of water. This aircraft joins the fleet after completing its service period in Greece and further strengthen Victoria’s aerial firefighting capability.

“Essendon Fields Airport is proud to be the home base for Victoria’s emergency service air wings and a key partner in the state’s fire response. Our central location and proximity to Melbourne’s CBD give emergency crews the ability to respond quickly when every minute counts. More than 30% of our aircraft movements are dedicated to emergency operations, from medical evacuations and organ transport to search and rescue missions. This summer, we’re honoured to host some of the most advanced aerial firefighting aircraft in the world, ensuring they can take to the skies and protect communities across Victoria,” said Jason Rainbird, GM Aviation Essendon Fields.

The latest Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook indicates increased fire risk across south-west and western Victoria, including north central, east central, and south-west Gippsland due to underlying dryness. Victorians are urged to prepare fire plans for their homes and travel destinations this summer.

For more information on our Airborne Heroes please click here.

For more information on how you can prepare for fires and other emergencies, download the VicEmergency app or visit emergency.vic.gov.au.