Bunbury training base for aerial fire fighting

26/10/04
Bunbury is hosting extensive training sessions this week for pilots, fire managers and ground crews involved in the State's aerial fire fighting operations.
Environment Minister Judy Edwards said the Department of Conservation and Land Management, in conjunction with the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, would spend the next three days putting pilots and crews through theory and practical courses in the lead-up to this summer's bushfire season.
Dr Edwards said the fire fighting fleet this year would include two Airtractor 802 aircraft, the first time these planes had been used in aerial fire fighting operations in Western Australia.
"The Airtractor 802 is a turbine-engined aircraft," the Minister said.
"Each plane can carry about 3,000 litres of water and foam and will be a valuable addition to WA's aerial fire fighting resources.
"This summer, two of the aircraft will be based in Perth, operating out of Jandakot Airport. However, they will be able to be deployed to other parts of the South-West if needed, to supplement water bombers based in Bunbury and Manjimup."
Dr Edwards said the ground crews would be trained on refilling the new aircraft, as well as the existing Dromader water bombers which had served the South-West and Perth for the past eight seasons.
Minister's office: 9220 5050