Victoria’s total aerial firefighting capability has fallen about 40,000 litres, as emergency responders raise alarm about a hot and dry summer ahead.
this week became the deadliest in the United States for more than a century, killing more than 100.
“Aerial resources are becoming more critical in firefighting,” he said. “To me, it’s not the right time to be reducing resources.”There are 32 Victorian-based aircraft able to drop water or retardant, according to the contract data. Fourteen other aircraft committed to Victoria for firefighting do not have water bombing capabilities. Last year there were 38 aircraft capable of water bombing and in 2021-22 there were 40.
Fire science professor David Bowman, from the University of Tasmania, said there had been little progress nationwide on the commission’s 80 recommendations. “They’re not even doing that bit, which is politically the simplest. You can understand why fire scientists are depressed and shaking their heads in disbelief.”
The smartest approach, he said, was rapid responses using small helicopters to extinguish a blaze before it developed, and that satellite technology existed to help pinpoint a fire early. The consultation document said an aircraft fleet should support on-ground firefighters to detect, suppress and gather intelligence and provide rapid transport.
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