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How do emergency teams prepare for bushfire season? 🚁 This month, the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) will conduct critical aerial firefighting drills across the Mid North region of South Australia, featuring increased aircraft activity near Wirrabara Range Conservation Park. From September 10-13 and again later this month, the exercises will simulate active bushfires using smoke canisters to train Air Attack Supervisors and Air Observers in preparation for Fire Danger Season. Nik Stanley, CFS Manager of State Aviation Operations, emphasized the importance of these drills, assuring residents that the sight of smoke and aircraft activity is part of a planned exercise. "These exercises help us monitor fire behavior and assess aircraft capabilities," Stanley said. The training will include 40 personnel and a fleet of fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft, operating out of Port Pirie Aerodrome. Read the full article for more details on the drills and how the CFS is preparing for the upcoming fire season: https://lnkd.in/gHycf2z8 What role do you think aerial firefighting will play in future bushfire responses? Share your thoughts below! #AvfoilNews #FirefightingTraining #AerialFirefighting #CFS #SouthAustralia #EmergencyPreparedness #NikStanley #AviationSafety #BushfireSeason #FireResponse #PortPirieAerodrome

The Critical Role of Aerial Firefighting During Wildfires When wildfires threaten our precious ecosystems, aerial firefighting becomes our first and last line of defence. At FireXperts, we recognize these airborne heroes who battle blazes from the sky, equipped with precision and unwavering determination. Did you know? A single air tanker can deliver up to 12,000 gallons of fire retardant in one drop – equivalent to the work of hundreds of ground firefighters in difficult terrain. Aerial firefighting fleet combines: • Fixed-wing aircraft for long-range retardant drops • Helicopters for precise water delivery • Coordination aircraft for tactical support This synchronized aerial dance isn't just about dropping water – it's about strategic deployment, weather assessment, and split-second decision-making that can mean the difference between contained fires and catastrophic spread. Join us in saluting these aviation experts who help protect our Cities and natural habitats. Their expertise turns the tide in our most challenging firefighting scenarios. #AerialFirefighting #Wildfires #FireSafety #EmergencyResponse #Aviation #FireXperts #EmergencyServices #Firefighting

How will advanced aerial resources improve safety and effectiveness in challenging wildfire conditions? Firehawk helicopters, designed for rapid wildfire suppression and the transport of firefighters, played a crucial role in combating the Franklin Fire in Malibu. Operated by the Ventura County Fire Department’s Aviation Unit, crews have been working around the clock since the fire ignited on Monday, quickly responding to the more than 4,000-acre blaze despite the challenges of night operations. Jeff Seabrook, a pilot with the County of Ventura Fire Aviation Unit, described the complexities of nighttime firefighting efforts: “We were working on structure protection around Pepperdine. To get there coming from the north, we are cresting over two ridges, not only at night, but now you can’t see the aircraft that are leaving Pepperdine as we're coming inbound to that area.” These two Sikorsky Firehawk helicopters, formerly Blackhawk helicopters used by the Army National Guard, joined the Ventura County Aviation Unit at the start of the 2021 fire season. Their agility, enhanced firefighting capabilities, and ability to operate in low-visibility conditions make them instrumental in reducing response times, protecting structures, and supporting ground crews as they battle intense and fast-moving fires. How do you think adding advanced firefighting aircraft like the Firehawks will influence future wildfire response strategies in difficult conditions? For more insights on our initiatives and offerings, visit our blog: https://lnkd.in/gJ8iag9F #VenturaCountyFire #FireHawk #WildfireResponse #AviationSafety #EmergencyServices #AerialFirefighting #NightOperations #FirefightingTechnology #Helicopters #DisasterResponse #CommunitySafety #AvfoilNews

Large air tanker and new multi-purpose helicopters on standby to support Australians facing natural disasters The National Large Air Tanker (C-130 Hercules) and three heavy lift helicopters are now standing by, ready to support more Australians this high-risk weather season. Announced as part of the Albanese Government's record $48m annual investment into the National Aerial Firefighting Fleet, a Sikorsky S61N and two Blackhawks have been delivered. Read more: https://hubs.li/Q02Wg8sf0 #emergencymanagement #disastermanagement #demc #em #crisis #disasterrecovery #emergencyplanning #incidentmanagement #preparedness #firstresponse #firstresponders #leadership #effectiveleadership #riskmanagement #climaterisk #climatechange #climatemanagment

The wildfires threatening LA clearly bring out the best in the firefighting crews. Super skilled pilots support groundforces with nearly daredevil flight maneuvers to deliver water to the fire site. Such flying not only requires the highest level of skill and ability to read landscapes, weather and fires - it is also risky. Time and again, incidents occur because the aircraft gets too close to the fire, too close to obstacles. What we currently see are examples of unparalleled courage, but also of just how much remains to be done in firefighting innovation. Some risks could be minimized, for example with better fire surveillance and precision dispersion extinguishing from the air.   Given the immense human suffering and billions of dollars in damages incurred in recent incidents, firefighting technology innovation should not be considered a niche topic anymore. It should be on every forward-looking investor's agenda. Mega fires have become mainstream - remember Canada 2023, Greece 2023 and now LA and Hollywood! 👉 How much more must happen before the investment world approaches firefighting technology innovation with the same courage that the pilots employ in their firefighting actions? 

✈️ Airport firefighting units are trained to handle aircraft emergencies and protect passengers. They use specialized vehicles and techniques to combat fires involving jet fuel and other hazardous materials. Read more in our latest post. #AirportFirefighting #AviationSafety #AircraftRescue #StreetWiseCADlink

Our thoughts are with the many responders fighting the historic wildland fires in the Los Angeles area. In particular we are so very proud of the aviation crews hard at work in southern California. In this single moment of flight radar over the Palisades Fire, 17 aircraft are captured participating in fire operations. RW and FW assets hard at work conducting water and retardant drops, moving personnel, and providing reconnaissance to orchestrate resources. All executed while balancing the risks of flying low, slow, and heavy; in less than ideal visibility and shared air space. Zero doubt the difference public safety aviation assets make in fighting wildland fires. These are some of the finest and hardest working air crews anywhere. #publicsafetyaviation #aerialfirefighting #fireaviation #palisadesfire

https://lnkd.in/eZKHy2Ef If every Chinook or other military water bucket helicopter can carry enough water for 30-70 acres; how many are needed for the fire? Probably more than 10. (Prior California fires required 36-65 gallons to be put out. Using that historical data, and not the advised formula of 100-200 gallons per acre, that yields a coverage of 70 acres per 3000 - 3,150 gallons of water / bucket.) My company has worked with Nevada and US Military on innovation public safety and innovation missions, including drone and ai disaster response. This is just tragic...#California #redcross #usnavy #USAirForce #USarmy #CoastGuard

This week, we launched Victoria’s aerial firefighting fleet. Emergency service agencies gathered to unveil some of the 54-strong fleet’s aircraft including two Large Airtankers, fixed-wing aircraft with additional intelligence-gathering capability, and a night firebombing helicopter known as the Super Puma. The aircraft will be positioned across the state to support our firefighters on the ground, with another 100 aircraft available to be called upon when needed. The aviation fleet is one of the most visible elements of our preparedness for the bushfire season, but it is by no means the only way we are prepared for the bushfire season. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gy53HM8J #WeWorkAsOne

The Importance of Training with Local Emergency Services Collaborating with local emergency services is about more than just safety—it's about building a strong, informed partnership that benefits everyone. Here’s why this ongoing training is essential for both our team and our emergency response partners: Preparedness: When emergencies arise, understanding each other’s capabilities and expertise ensures swift, efficient action. Clear communication about roles—who does what and who knows what—can make all the difference. Identifying Gaps: Training highlights areas where our knowledge can improve and where emergency responders might need additional insights about our operations. Addressing these gaps ahead of time strengthens our collective response. Familiarity with the Airport Environment: Unlike typical road emergencies, airports present unique challenges—fuel farms, hangar storage, limited water access, and more. Familiarity with these aspects enhances on-site decision-making. Minimizing Environmental Impacts: A well-coordinated response can significantly reduce environmental risks, such as fuel runoff. Regular training ensures everyone understands how to control and limit environmental impacts effectively. Aircraft Familiarization: Our diverse aircraft fleet presents varying challenges, from fuel capacities to unique features like the Cirrus' rocket-propelled parachute system. First responders need hands-on experience to navigate these aircraft and understand cabin layouts, especially while wearing full gear. Additionally, this training fosters stronger relationships and trust between our staff and emergency teams, creating a safer environment for everyone on the field. We are grateful for the continued commitment to safety and collaboration of the GCFD.