State's bushfire defence boosted by extra water bomber

A second Type 1 helicopter, similar to the giant Fire King that had already helped protect the State during the last two bushfire seasons, would now be based in the highly-vulnerable South-West region, Emergency Services Minister Rob Johnson announced today.

Mr Johnson said the additional helicopter would be managed by the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) from a base at Busselton, to allow faster response times to fires in the region.

The Type 1 helicopter can drop 4,000 litres of water - four times the amount of the Helitac water bombers - and can carry up to 15 firefighters and equipment.

"The State Government is committed to boosting community safety in the South-West and we are pleased to provide this extra resource for fire agencies during what we predict to be a very busy bushfire season," the Minister said.

Mr Johnson said given the seasonal forecast of above-normal fire conditions, more intense fires and identified high-risk communities in the South-West, the Federal Government had joined forces with the State Government to provide funding for the additional Type 1 helicopter.

"There are a lot more people living in the region and this spikes during the summer months as tourists arrive for the holiday season, increasing the demand for our emergency services," he said.

"An extra helicopter of this capability in the South-West will be a big boost for our emergency services as the aircraft already has a proven track record helping to protect lives and property in Western Australia, attending 53 major incidents during 2008-09."

The Minister said the State's aerial fire-fighting fleet was impressive.

"This will be the first time that we will have two Type 1 aircraft based in WA," he said.

"The Perth metropolitan areas will continue to be protected with one Type 1 helicopter, four helitacs and an air intelligence helicopter all based at Perth airport and there will be eight fixed-wing water bombers based in Perth, Bunbury, Manjimup and Albany."

Mr Johnson said in addition to increasing the aerial firefighting fleet, the Government had introduced new laws this bushfire season.

"The changes made under the Bush Fires Amendment Bill 2009 come into effect today and will strengthen the co-ordination and management of bushfires in this State," he said.

Changes under the new legislation included:

·           introduction of total fire bans

·           new arrangements for control of a major fire with FESA assuming control of major fires

·           to help combat arson, legislation now includes a definition of the word property - to include Crown land and bush

·           introduction of a revised national Fire Danger Rating system - to include the categories 'severe' and 'catastrophic'.

The Minister said local communities and home owners had a key role to play during the bushfire season.

"If you live near bushland, you must get ready now and help protect yourself and your family by ensuring you have a bushfire survival plan in place," he said.

For more information on the new legislation, or how you can prepare for bushfires, visit http://www.fesa.wa.gov.au or call 9323 9300.