- Aerial firefighting fleet deployed to protect Western Australia's grain harvest
- Two strike teams strategically based in Narrogin and Esperance from 1 November
- State Government committed $6.7 million to support continuation of program
A dedicated aerial firefighting fleet has been mobilised to protect communities and multibillion-dollar grain crops in regional Western Australia as harvests begin and fire risk is heightened.
The aerial firefighting fleet will be deployed to key agricultural regions to enable them to quickly respond and suppress crop fires.
From 1 November, two strike teams will be stationed in Narrogin and Esperance to bolster firefighting capacity and help safeguard crops. Each strike team includes two fixed wing waterbombers and a supervision aircraft, strategically positioned across the Wheatbelt.
During the 2024-25 harvest, the Grain Harvest Aerial Fleet attended 18 fires - four in Geraldton, 12 in Narrogin and two in Esperance.
The aircraft can cruise at a speed of 280 kilometres per hour, drop up to 3,150 litres of water, foam or retardant, and require just minutes to refuel and reload
The program is funded by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services with support from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
It is part of the WA Government's commitment to building safe communities by supporting emergency services and improving services in regional centres and remote communities.
Rural property owners are urged to devise a bushfire plan with their family and employees on what to do if a bushfire strikes and monitor Emergency WA for updates on fire weather and incidents.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia:
"As harvest ramps up, so too does the fire risk. Activating our specialised aerial strike teams in the region means we'll be ready to respond quickly to any fires that threaten crops or communities.
"This initiative also helps to ease the burden on our farmers, who are often the first to face these fires.
"In this year's State Budget, we invested $6.7 million to continue this vital program into its fifth year, reflecting our ongoing commitment to support Western Australia's regional communities."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Grain is one of our State's most valuable exports and with forecasts pointing to a bumper harvest, it's critical we do everything we can to support our regional communities.
"We thank our farmers for their resilience and commitment, especially during the challenges of fire season."
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
"As temperatures rise and vegetation dries out, crop fires can ignite and spread with alarming speed. By strategically positioning waterbombing aircraft across key agricultural regions, we're ensuring a rapid and effective firefighting response when it matters most.
"These aircraft can be on the scene within minutes, quickly reload, and return to the air to help contain fires before they escalate and threaten communities.
"In previous seasons the strike teams have played an integral role in stopping crop fires before they cause devastating losses.
"DFES will continue to monitor fire conditions closely across the Mid West, Wheatbelt, and Great Southern regions throughout harvest and will reposition aircraft as needed based on regular risk assessments."
