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ENVIRONMENTAL

Victoria Bushfire Crisis: 70 Aircraft Deployed as Fatal Blaze Disrupts Air Travel

•3 min read
Victoria Bushfire Crisis: 70 Aircraft Deployed as Fatal Blaze Disrupts Air Travel
Victoria's bushfire emergency, marked by a confirmed fatality in Longwood, triggered the deployment of 70 aircraft and caused significant commercial aviation disruption at Melbourne and Avalon airports due to smoke.

The devastating bushfire emergency in Victoria has turned deadly. Police confirmed a fatality in Longwood on Sunday afternoon. Human remains were found near a vehicle off Yarck Road at Gobur. This tragedy underscores the severity of the ongoing crisis.

Aviation Emergency Response

The catastrophic fires have necessitated a massive aerial response. Emergency services have deployed a fleet of 70 aircraft across the state. This fleet is crucial for both fire suppression and intelligence gathering. Victoria's core aerial firefighting fleet includes 54 dedicated aircraft. This number is supplemented by a call-when-needed fleet of over 100.

Specialized Aerial Assets

The deployed aircraft serve diverse, critical functions. Two Large Air Tankers are positioned at Avalon Airport (AVV). Two high-volume Aircranes, carrying 10,000 liters of water, are also in use. A dedicated Super Puma helicopter provides night firebombing capability. This is supported by an Air Attack Supervision aircraft for night observation.

New fixed-wing aircraft offer enhanced fireground intelligence. These planes, like the Pilatus PC-12, use advanced infrared cameras. This technology allows crews to see through smoke and map fire activity. Real-time data aids ground crews in tactical decision-making.

Commercial Air Travel Disruption

The intense smoke haze presents a significant commercial aviation disruption. Smoke reduced visibility at Melbourne (MEL) and Avalon (AVV) airports. Airservices Australia was forced to impose single-runway operations. This action resulted in rolling delays for both arrivals and departures.

Major carriers like Qantas issued a fee-free rebooking waiver. Jetstar mirrored this policy for affected passengers. Corporate travel managers are advised to build buffer time into connections. Smoke haze is a known aviation hazard, severely limiting visibility. Pilots must check NOTAMs and maintain clear air deviation.

Government and Defence Support

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is on standby. The ADF's primary role is logistics support, not direct fire fighting. They can assist with refuelling civilian firefighting aircraft. They also provide accommodation and transport for fire personnel.

Premier Jacinta Allan warned against 'fire tourists' entering dangerous zones. She stressed the falling trees and unsafe conditions. This is a major concern for emergency service workers.

More than 350,000 hectares have been burnt across the state. Over 300 structures have been lost, including at least 150 in Longwood. Authorities warn the fire threat remains high due to dry conditions. The situation is eerily reminiscent of the 2009 Black Summer bushfires.

For more updates on global air operations, visit our commercial aviation news section.

  • 70 aircraft are deployed for firebombing and intelligence gathering.
  • Melbourne and Avalon Airports faced delays due to smoke-induced single-runway operations.
  • The Australian Defence Force is on standby for logistics and air support roles.
  • The disaster has claimed one life in Longwood and destroyed over 300 structures.
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