Ahead of what's expected to be a significant and elevated fire season, Victoria has strengthened its bushfire preparedness by deploying firefighting aircraft ahead of schedule to key parts of the state.
Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward and Minster for Environment Steve Dimopoulos joined Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch today to meet crews and view the firefighting aircraft which are now at Ballarat.
A total of 15 regional aircraft will start their service period early in key locations including Ballarat, Stawell and Ovens Valley. These aircraft can be moved across the state according to risk.
The early deployment is part of the Allan Labor Government's additional $80 million investment in fire season preparedness - which has also supported the CFA to increase water storage across the state and improved community refuges and fire danger signs across Victoria.
Victoria's aerial firefighting fleet is made up of a mix of firebombing aircraft, air supervision and information-gathering aircraft, and plays an important role in supporting the ground operations of firefighters.
Victoria also has a call-when-needed capacity of up to 100 aircraft that can supplement the Victorian core fleet, which is available year-round.
The remainder of this year's aerial firefighting fleet will arrive over the next month and into early December and are contracted until late March. These can be extended, if required.
Victoria is facing heightened fire risk this year due to low rainfall across the state, particularly in south-west Victoria, south-west Gippsland, the Mornington Peninsula and the Wimmera.
For more information on how you can prepare for fires and other emergencies, download the VicEmergency app or visit emergency.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"We're acting early to protect communities across Victoria by ensuring our firefighters have the resources they need to keep Victorians safe."
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward
"Now is the time to prepare - have a fire plan, stay informed and never rely on one source of information."
As stated by Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
"Victorians know firsthand how dry parts of our state are and the risk this carries heading into summer. That's why we're making sure aircraft and other supports are available to support our emergency services on the ground."
As stated by Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch
"Emergency services will do everything they can to support you, but preparedness is a shared responsibility. Ensure you have downloaded the VicEmergency app, and practice using it, so you understand what to do and how to get information."
