NSW RFS helicopters to fight fires at night

Night-time aerial firefighting in emergency operations is a relatively new concept in Australia. As such, it is exciting for the NSW RFS to currently be developing a night-time aerial firefighting capability in conjunction with Coulson Aviation, using the NSW RFS owned Bell 412 helicopter and one Chinook.

The trials are taking place in response to recommendation 52 of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry into the 2019/20 bush fire season which stated that, in order to enhance NSW’s firefighting capacity, Government should trial aerial firefighting at night with a view to full implementation if successful.

“We utilise two helicopters working together at night,” explains Chief Superintendent Chris Ryder, Operational Field Support Manager.

“One of our Bell 412 Helicopters with a FLIR camera acts as a supervision and safety platform, identifying hazards, water sources and target areas for the drop, while ensuring the Incident Controller’s intent is followed.

“The second aircraft, a CH47 Chinook with an internal tanking system, conducts the actual water bombing missions.”

The Chinook helicopters, the second of which was provided to Victoria, are now the largest volume firefighting helicopters in Australia. Both have the capacity to carry up to 11,000 litres of water or retardant.

While an exciting project, aerial firefighting at night is not without challenges.

“A challenge encountered in development and trials has been the significant rainfall events that occurred during the summer period and limited fire activity,” says Chris.

“We are working on expanding the trials into the upcoming fire season and the ongoing development of this program.

“The outcome of these trials will see the NSW RFS able to undertake initial attack on fires at night, a time when historically we see lower fire activity but have been unable to utilise aircraft in suppression activities.”

Weather conditions for firefighting are typically more favourable at night, which has become further evident during trials, according to NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Ben Millington.

“Night-time aerial firefighting is a relatively new but exciting concept in Australia,” says Ben.

“Operating helicopters at night will allow us to directly attack fires at times when weather conditions are more favourable.

“We will continue to build on this capability to provide our firefighters and emergency service personnel with aviation support at times when traditionally they wouldn’t have any.”

The outcome for the NSW RFS will be a sustainable night-time firebombing capability, deployable to any area within NSW.