Fifty-four dedicated aircraft make up Victoria's aerial firefighting fleet this summer.
These aircraft are located across the state and ready to move to different regions in response to fire risk.
The fleet includes:
- the Super Puma, a night-time firebombing helicopter with a 4,000 litre capacity
- an Air Attack Supervision aircraft to help the Super Puma with observation and fire detection at night
- a Bell 214ST helicopter capable of picking up salt water
- 2 Large Air Tankers that can be used at smaller regional airports
- fixed wing aircraft that can gather intelligence for tactical decision making.
In addition, 2 Aircranes will also join the fleet once their service period ends in North America. Three additional aircraft will be on short-term contracts until the Aircranes arrive.
Victoria also has access to a "call when needed" fleet of more than 100 aircraft and can request help under national and state resource sharing arrangements.
While we're ready to respond in the air and on the ground, it is also time for all of us to get personally prepared for the summer ahead. fireplanner.vic.gov.au (External link) is a quick and easy online tool that guides you through decisions on what you will do when there is a fire. You can also share your plan with your family and friends.
Learn more about the ways you can get information and alerts when there is an emergency at emergency.vic.gov.au (External link)
The department acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.