Three helicopters have arrived at the ACT Rural Fire Service Helibase ready to assist in firefighting efforts to protect Canberra this bushfire season. Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said the ACT Government was funding resources like the three helicopters to protect Canberrans throughout each bushfire season.
“Last bushfire season, these helicopters were an invaluable and played an integral role in firefighting operations in our region,” Minister Gentleman commented “Two medium sized helicopters, Helitac 274 and 275, will once again be on hand to assist with various roles including waterbombing and winching of firefighters into remote areas Firebird 100, our Specialised Intelligence Gathering (SIG) helicopter, can undertake a range of tasks including aerial intelligence gathering, waterbombing and coordination of aircrafts and firefighters.”
The Minister explained that the helicopters will be based at the ACTRFS Hume Helicopter base until late March and can be extended should weather conditions pose a fire risk to the ACT.

ACT Rural Fire Service A/g Chief Officer Rohan Scott said these aircraft had arrived to assist firefighting operations for the predicted peak of the fire season over the next few months.
“These helicopters can be deployed from the Helibase in Hume within 15 minutes and will also be available to assist surrounding regions,” A/g Chief Officer Scott commented “The Firebird 100 was a vital asset last bushfire season both in the air and on the ground. The 360‑degree video or thermal camera can quickly relay vision or incident data directly to Headquarters, Fire Control Centres and Incident Management Teams. Having the ability to relay vision direct from the fire ground is imperative to ensure we are deploying appropriate resources where they are needed and issuing correct warnings for communities.”
Minister Gentleman said that with the arrival of these helicopters, we remind all Canberrans to Be Emergency Ready and to complete their Survival Plan from the ESA website.