FESA Smart chopper unveiled for bushfire season
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 5:11 pm
From : http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/201 ... 381634.htm
1 December, 2011 4:13PM AWST
New smart chopper unveiled for bushfire season
By Brooke Bannister
Perth's first day of summer could be a sign of things to come with high temperatures, strong winds and multiple bushfire warnings across the state but there's a new weapon on hand for this fire season.
With the summer and bushfire season officially starting today, it's also a good day to launch a new weapon to combat bushfires in the state's south.
A new $4million 'intelligence' helicopter will be ready to assist ground crews and be their 'eye in the sky' when it comes to combating bushfires.
FESA's Chief Executive Officer Wayne Gregson launched the twin-engine unit, which won't be used for water bombing but will gather information for fire crews.
"This aircraft is fitted with state of the art surveillance equipment, such as an infra-red high definition camera, laser mapping and a microwave transmitter which can beam real time pictures of the fire back to our operational management teams," Mr Gregson said.
"This sophisticated equipment can penetrate smoke and pinpoint the exact location of the fire front."
The high-tech unit will provide firefighters with critical information faster to help protect lives and properties under threat.
The helicopter is being leased to FESA and the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) for the next five years at a cost of $6.9million.
Despite the new equipment Mr Gregson said it was up to residents to be prepared for the challenging bushfire season ahead.
"Fire management agencies are doing all they can to be prepared for the demanding season ahead and it's imperative that the community also play their part in being prepared," he said.
"To herald in the start of the season fire conditions are extreme over the next few days and residents who live near bushland must take responsibility to prepare their homes and double check their survival plans now."
Information on how to make a bushfire survival plan is available on the FESA website.
1 December, 2011 4:13PM AWST
New smart chopper unveiled for bushfire season
By Brooke Bannister
Perth's first day of summer could be a sign of things to come with high temperatures, strong winds and multiple bushfire warnings across the state but there's a new weapon on hand for this fire season.
With the summer and bushfire season officially starting today, it's also a good day to launch a new weapon to combat bushfires in the state's south.
A new $4million 'intelligence' helicopter will be ready to assist ground crews and be their 'eye in the sky' when it comes to combating bushfires.
FESA's Chief Executive Officer Wayne Gregson launched the twin-engine unit, which won't be used for water bombing but will gather information for fire crews.
"This aircraft is fitted with state of the art surveillance equipment, such as an infra-red high definition camera, laser mapping and a microwave transmitter which can beam real time pictures of the fire back to our operational management teams," Mr Gregson said.
"This sophisticated equipment can penetrate smoke and pinpoint the exact location of the fire front."
The high-tech unit will provide firefighters with critical information faster to help protect lives and properties under threat.
The helicopter is being leased to FESA and the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) for the next five years at a cost of $6.9million.
Despite the new equipment Mr Gregson said it was up to residents to be prepared for the challenging bushfire season ahead.
"Fire management agencies are doing all they can to be prepared for the demanding season ahead and it's imperative that the community also play their part in being prepared," he said.
"To herald in the start of the season fire conditions are extreme over the next few days and residents who live near bushland must take responsibility to prepare their homes and double check their survival plans now."
Information on how to make a bushfire survival plan is available on the FESA website.