Two of the world’s biggest airtankers are set to form part of Victoria’s response to a summer of significant fire risk.
Victoria will be the first state in Australia to use the airtankers – a Hercules and an RJ – as part of the state’s firefighting strikeforce.
The Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett joined Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley at Avalon Airport today to inspect the fleet.
The Hercules and the RJ can each hold more than 12,000L of water, foam or retardant and will be able to reach any fire across the state within one hour of being dispatched from their base in Avalon.
They will boost Victoria’s firefighting airfleet to 46 planes and helicopters.
Other aircraft strategically placed around the state include:
- Two Orange Erickson Aircranes Delilah and Malcolm based at Essendon and Ballarat.
- Two Sikorsky s61 helicopters based at Colac and Mansfield.
Quotes attributable to Minister Jane Garrett
“Our firefighters do an amazing job and are well prepared for what is predicted to be a summer of significant fire risk.’’
``Victoria is lucky to have one of the largest and most modern airfleets in Australia to support our firefighters and our communities.’’
``Victoria is likely to face a challenging fire season and communities need to be just as prepared as our firefighters.’’
Reviewed 19 August 2020