Charlotte Varcoe
THE Blackhawk helicopter which resides at the Mount Gambier Airport has responded to more than 20 call outs this fire danger season.
According to the Country Fire Service (CFS) chief officer Brett Loughlin the helicopter has also dropped more than 660,000 litres of water and attended two fires within the South East.
Mr Loughlin said the helicopter demonstrated the state government’s “investment and commitment” to the safety of the Lower South East.
“This platform is simply incredible in this part, it is in addition to the fixed water bomber and the two observation platforms that we have,” Mr Loughlin said.
He said the amount of water the blackhawk helicopter had dumped on fires throughout the season ensured the fires were kept smaller and safer for firefighters on the ground.
“It shows better outcomes for the community and at the end of the day it is an important investment which has demonstrated benefits for the community,” he said.
“We are really proud of the aviation system we operate here in South Australia and we are incredibly proud of the men and women who fly and operate the blackhawk and other helicopters as well as our volunteers and staff who are the air attack supervisors and air observers.”
Mr Loughlin said the CFS strongly encouraged the community to take the risk of flood, fire or other emergency events seriously.
“The best thing we can do is encourage the community to take steps to prepare,” he said.
“If they are unsure of what they can do they are able to visit the CFS website which has useful and practical steps to take on.”
Mr Loughlin said one of the main things the CFS asked the community to do was have a plan which people could complete with family and friends.
“We know that prepared people make better decisions in high stress, high pressure scenarios and those better decisions support our firefighters as they go about work,” he said.
The comments come following the CFS extending the fire danger season for the Limestone Coast until April 30.
