Firefighting helicopters
The ABC notes that, “Firefighting choppers cost millions on standby”
The commission heard it costs $20,000 a day to keep the Elvis air crane on standby and an additional $11,000 a day to operate.
So-called Firebird helicopters are much cheaper, costing $1,500 a day to have on standby and $1,000 more to operate.
Sky-Crane’s can carry up to 9000 litres of water. Firebird’s (not all) can carry up to 1500 litres. The capacities vary for a variety of reasons.
The Commission heard aerial firefighting can improve the chances of a first attack on a bushfire being successful by up to 50 per cent.
But the inquiry heard it must happen within half an hour of ignition to have any prospect of working.
That’s the same with just about any fire. The quicker we get to it, the greater the chance of an initial knock-down and extinguishment.
Helicopters are an invaluable resource at fires.
