13/12/04
The State Government has announced a multi-million dollar deal to double the number of firefighting helicopters this bush fire season.
Emergency Services Minister Michelle Roberts said the $7.5million contract over the next five years would ensure four Helitacs would now operate over the summer period, significantly boosting their response area by 50 per cent to a radius of 120km from the city.
"Doubling the number of Helitacs is a massive boost to community safety by our Government during this danger period to ensure the maximum protection for people and property from wild fires," Mrs Roberts said.
"Up until now, it was not feasible to use the Helitacs outside the city, because it removed the only aerial firefighting resource that could operate over the built-up areas and the Darling Scarp.
"But this latest contract ensures that two Helitacs can now leave the area to assist in fighting bush fires outside the metropolitan area."
The Minister said the Helitacs would now operate in a 120km radius of the city, taking in the northern areas of the Peel region, Gingin, Chittering and the Avon Valley, as well as the Darling Scarp and Serpentine/Jarrahdale.
Launching the Summer Safe campaign, Mrs Roberts said aerial firefighting and surveillance cost the State Government nearly $6million a year.
"Responsible economic management and balanced Budgets has enabled our Government to boost the funding for community safety," she said.
The Minister said the attack on bush fires this year would also be aided by the introduction of the new FLIR Aerial Visual Mapping System, which comprised infra-red and digital photography from the Air Reconnaissance helicopter.
"This high-tech, infra-red surveillance system can penetrate smoke and haze and provide fire controllers with a strategic map on fast moving wild fires," she said.
"The new computer technology will provide our fire managers and controllers with a virtual blueprint on how to strategically extinguish a wild fire through the better use of firefighters and aerial techniques."
Mrs Roberts said the Helitacs had already proved their worth recently, doing nearly 50 drops at a fire in Chittering to protect homes and an orchard.
The Minister said last summer the Helitacs flew nearly 60 missions and saved three fire crews and 64 homes from destruction.
"The Helitacs are now an essential firefighting tool in WA and complement the firefighters on the ground who do a fantastic job," she said.
"The community also need to do their bit and it is important that residents prepare their homes to improve the chances of surviving a bush fire.
"All residents who live near bush land are at risk. To minimise this risk they should create a 20m circle of safety by cutting long grass and weeds from around the house and ensuring branches near powerlines are removed.
"Now is the time to be prepared for this bush fire season."
Minister's office: 9213 6600
