With one of the most high-risk fire seasons of recent years expected across the state, Victoria’s aerial firefighting fleet is ready to respond.

This year’s core fleet features 54 dedicated aircraft strategically positioned across the state to support firefighting efforts on the ground and gather crucial intelligence from the air in order to make faster tactical decisions.

On site this year at Essendon Fields Airport will be an initial three helicopters; a Eurocopter AS322L Super Puma Helitak 349, Firebird 308, and a Black Hawk EH-60A Helitak 233. An Aircrane will also join the fleet after their service period ends in North America. An Infra Red Firescan 126 fixed-wing aircraft will also call Essendon Fields home for the season.

The air attack supervision and information gathering Firebird 308 helicopter, crewed and operated by Microflite, will make its fourth visit to Essendon Fields Airport, supporting night operations aided by new technology including an infra-red high-definition video camera. These enhancements will help operational decision-making and can be streamed to control centres to better inform operations.

The Eurocopter AS322L Super Puma Helitak 349 will make its second appearance, crewed and operated by Kestrel Aviation. It is one of the most advanced fire-fighting aircraft in the world and operating as part of the night fire aviation program with a capacity of 4250 litres.

The Black Hawk EH-60A Helitak 233 will also be onsite and boasts a 4250 litre tank and a hover refill pump allowing it to refill in just over a minute, in line with the Super Puma. Once a nearby body of water is located such as a dam, swimming pool, lake or ocean, a hose is lowered to skim the water and can fill the tank. This aircraft will be crewed and operated by Touchdown Helicopters.

The Erickson Air Crane high volume firebombing helicopters have long been a part of Victoria’s aerial firefighting efforts, and will join the fleet after their service period ends in North America. The Air Crane is a high-volume Type 1 helicopter with the capacity to carry 10,000 litres of water.

Matt Marais, GM Aviation at Essendon Fields, highlighted the airport’s vital role in supporting emergency services and aerial firefighting efforts.

“Essendon Fields Airport is the home for Victoria’s emergency service air wings.  Over 30% of aircraft movements here are associated with emergency services, including police operations, medical evacuations and patient transport, search and rescue missions and urgent organ transport. Essendon Fields proximity to Melbourne CBD and centrality within the state provides a strategic advantage for our emergency service operators. During summer, we’re proud to support the aerial firefighting aircraft which play an essential role in the states fire response.”

“We are well prepared for this higher risk weather season, with excellent support from our aerial firefighting fleet and thousands of dedicated emergency services personnel. Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Sit down with your household to talk about your emergency plan and what you will do in case of a fire or other emergency,” said Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent.

Victorians can expect increased fire risk in most of western Victoria, as well as south-west Gippsland, Mornington Peninsula, greater Melbourne and north-east Victoria.

“With hardworking crews on the ground and a strong aerial fleet, we are ready for the season,” finished  Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes.

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