Fire authorities warn Victorians to prepare as new 54-plane fleet is unveiled
Victoria faces an extended fire season with 70 grass fires already recorded last week, prompting authorities to deploy 54 aircraft including night-flying capabilities.
Fire authorities have unveiled a new aircraft fleet and warned residents not to become complacent as Victoria enters a potentially dangerous and extended fire season.
A fleet of 54 aircraft was unveiled at Avalon Airport on Wednesday, including two new fixed-wing planes equipped with upgraded infra-red imaging for more accurate fire mapping and decision-making.
The fleet also includes two Large Air Tankers, based at Avalon, each carrying the equivalent water load of three CFA trucks.
A dedicated Super Puma helicopter has also returned to the skies to fight fires at night through firebombing, supported by an Air Attack Supervision aircraft that provides critical fire detection and observation at night.
This fleet unveiling follows the launch of 15 regional aircraft which started their service period early last month.
A call when needed fleet of more than 100 aircraft is also available including Black Hawk Helicopters, and Victoria can request additional aircraft from the National Fleet.
The latest Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer shows increased fire danger across southwest and western Victoria due to long-term dryness.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said conditions across the west and southwest were expected to worsen as summer progressed.
He said the Bureau of Meteorology was forecasting hotter-than-average days and nights across the Surf Coast, Greater Geelong, Werribee, Wyndham and north of the Otways.
“We know there’s been underlying dryness now for the last two years, and with above-average temperatures forecast for January and February, the state will dry out again,” Mr Wiebusch said.
“We’ve got significant grasslands in some of those areas.”
Authorities said the fleet expansion was intended to support ground crews as the season intensifies, but they stressed that residents must also prepare.
“Our key message today is we don’t want Victorians to be complacent,” Mr Wiebusch said.
Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward said households must take responsibility for preparation and situational awareness.
“Fire preparedness is a shared responsibility – we need all Victorians to get ready and stay informed so everyone can enjoy summer safely.”
Authorities urged residents to clear vegetation, check fire plans and monitor local conditions as the threat level increases.
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Originally published as Fire authorities warn Victorians to prepare as new 54-plane fleet is unveiled
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