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Aviation Training Day Preparation For Fire SeasonThe Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and CFA will have two fixed wing aircraft based full-time at the Latrobe Valley and Bairnsdale airbases from today, ready for immediate deployment over summer.
By CFA & DSE - 22nd December 2011 - Back to News These aircraft are part of a fleet of 41 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft in Victoria for the fire
season. 150 additional aircraft are available throughout the fire season to provide surge capacity.
DSE District Manager Geoff Pike said fire-fighting personnel are taking part in a full-scale practice
session today, putting every element of the air attack process to the test and ensuring absolute
readiness for the upcoming season.
"These exercises include mixing retardant, supplying and loading the aircraft, and practising using
the communications equipment," Mr Pike said.
"We need to make sure we test every component of our aerial response system. Having everyone
here allows us to make sure they are fully familiar with the airbase, the aircraft and equipment."
In addition to practice at the airbase, the exercise also involved the aircraft coordinating with
ground fire crews to do practice water and foam drops in a simulated exercise north of Tyers.
Aircraft will be based around the state, dependant on fire risk and will be pre-positioned on bad fire
days.
Aircraft are valuable firefighting tools that are supported by on-ground firefighters, vehicles and
equipment. Aerial suppression is mostly used for 'first attack' in cases where a fire is in otherwise
inaccessible terrain or to support ground operations.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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