Aerial firefighting is a key asset
National coordination of aerial firefighting assets is proving to be a positive step for emergency management. By Leigh Funston.
In Australia's hot summer months, personnel at the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) are at their busiest as they coordinate 30 aircraft to support fire operations.
The NAFC, established four years ago has an annual budget of around $20m to cover the costs of leasing and coordinating firefighting aircraft. This money comes from the state, territory and federal governments.
"The intent of the centre is to get some coordination into (aerial firefighting) matters that are better looked at on a national basis. So we are doing contracting of the bigger aircraft and (focusing on) consistent standards and approach," Richard Alder, general manager of the National Aerial Firefighting Centre said.
Mr Alder said the total national "pool" of aerial firefighting aircraft leased by federal, state and territory authorities was around 60. He said this included the 30 aircraft leased and coordinated by the NAFC.
"We coordinate information regarding (state and territory leased aircraft) so everyone has the same knowledge of the resources that are available
“The whole fleet is supplemented by what we describe as a call when needed basis. There are other aircraft on register that might be used to supplement the aircraft that meet certain standards."
States and territories benefit
The contracting role of the NAFC ensures that states and territories benefit by pricing synergies. The centre also plays a coordinating role in moving aerial firefighting assets from one state or territory to another if required.
"Aerial firefighting is a very important tool in fire management but we stress that it is not a magic bullet. There are limitations in fire intensity and where the aircraft can go and operating limitations," Mr Alder said.
"It is crucial that aerial firefighting is integrated with what is happening on the ground. At the end of the day, it is actually the ground firefighters who put out the fires. The aerial operation is all about supporting the ground firefighters to do that."
Mr Alder said the key to integrating aerial firefighting efforts with the work done by firefighters on the ground was having a management structure.
"We use a structure gives everyone clear roles. The other aspect, of course is communications; having good communication between all the people who are in that management structure is vital."
About the author: Leigh Funston is a former editor of Australian Security Magazine.