The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) has assembled its air fleet to help fight outbreaks of fire in what is expected to be a busy season across Queensland.

On standby at the 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.

Further aircraft are on stand-by at Bundaberg, including a Large Air Tanker, which will be available for despatch to any part of the state.

The Queensland Fire Department’s (QFD) contracted aerial fleet for the coming season totals 13 aircraft with a total water bombing capacity of more than 32,000 litres.

QFD also has access to approximately 150 additional aircraft, which are available on-call when needed.

QFD Commissioner Steve Smith outlined the range of uses to which the aircraft will be put.

“Our aircraft play a significant role in supporting crews on the ground during major bushfires but aren’t limited to just water bombing,” Mr Smith said.  

Air fleet ready for fire season

“They are also used for mapping, intelligence and planning throughout the season,” QFD Commissioner Steve Smith said.

“As part of Rural Fire Service Queensland’s (RFSQ) 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.”

Authorities in this region have already issued warnings that this could be a particularly bad season for grassfires and bushfires with a big build-up of fuel following good rainfall over many parts in recent years.

Residents have been urged to ensure that they have fire plans in place, including attention to cleaning around property to eliminate any potential fire risk.

For advice on Bushfire Survival Plans, preparing property and bushfire season information, visit: fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/ bushfires or getready.qld.gov.au.

Rural Fire Service Queensland Chief Officer Ben Millington reminded residents of the current dangers.

“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.”  

This article appeared in  On Our Selection News, 12 September 2024.