Published Sunday, 17 August, 2008 at 10:30 AM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Firefighting efforts boosted by water bombing helicopters
Queensland's fight against bushfires will be boosted by the arrival of three B3 Squirrel water-bombing helicopters on Sunday.
Premier Anna Bligh said $3.1million in funding had been allocated to secure the services of the water-bombers for the 12 week bushfire season each year until 2010.
"The water-bomber helicopters will allow the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service to fight fires from the skies," Ms Bligh said.
"Over the past two Queensland bushfire seasons, these contracted aircraft took to the skies for approximately 185 hours, playing a crucial role in our bushfire-response."
Ms Bligh said the B3 Squirrels are capable of dropping thousands of litres of water on a fire, a form of attack which cannot be achieved as quickly by crews on the ground.
"Aerial firefighting aircraft not only directly combat wildfires by dumping suppressant, but they also play a crucial role in aerial reconnaissance.
"A trained air operations officer accompanies the flight crew and provides strategic advice for QFRS ground operations.
"The water bombing aircraft have proven to be very effective in providing strong support to ground operations and they will continue to be an important asset to firefighting efforts in the years to come."
The aircraft are based at Archerfield and can be directly involved in all bushfire operations across southern Queensland.
"Arrangements are also in place to deploy aerial observation and water bombing aircraft to any location within the state if required."
Ms Bligh said the drier winter months, coupled with the low humidity and gusty westerly winds, which traditionally arrive at this time of year, have increased the threat of bushfire.
"With the abundance of rain this year, vegetation has flourished. In these drier winter months, that dry duel could create perfect conditions for an intense bushfire season."
The QFRS Air Operations is jointly funded by the Federal Government through the Emergency Management Australia.
Contacts: Premiers: 07 32244500: Emergency Services Minister: 07 32478992
Premier Anna Bligh said $3.1million in funding had been allocated to secure the services of the water-bombers for the 12 week bushfire season each year until 2010.
"The water-bomber helicopters will allow the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service to fight fires from the skies," Ms Bligh said.
"Over the past two Queensland bushfire seasons, these contracted aircraft took to the skies for approximately 185 hours, playing a crucial role in our bushfire-response."
Ms Bligh said the B3 Squirrels are capable of dropping thousands of litres of water on a fire, a form of attack which cannot be achieved as quickly by crews on the ground.
"Aerial firefighting aircraft not only directly combat wildfires by dumping suppressant, but they also play a crucial role in aerial reconnaissance.
"A trained air operations officer accompanies the flight crew and provides strategic advice for QFRS ground operations.
"The water bombing aircraft have proven to be very effective in providing strong support to ground operations and they will continue to be an important asset to firefighting efforts in the years to come."
The aircraft are based at Archerfield and can be directly involved in all bushfire operations across southern Queensland.
"Arrangements are also in place to deploy aerial observation and water bombing aircraft to any location within the state if required."
Ms Bligh said the drier winter months, coupled with the low humidity and gusty westerly winds, which traditionally arrive at this time of year, have increased the threat of bushfire.
"With the abundance of rain this year, vegetation has flourished. In these drier winter months, that dry duel could create perfect conditions for an intense bushfire season."
The QFRS Air Operations is jointly funded by the Federal Government through the Emergency Management Australia.
Contacts: Premiers: 07 32244500: Emergency Services Minister: 07 32478992