The use of suppressants and retardants for bushfire fighting can give firefighters tactical advantages by slowing down the spread of the fire. National Technology and Development Program offers descriptions of the differences between the chemicals used and how they are assessed as fit for purpose.
Retardant is usually lain by aerial firefighting assets, whereas water enhancers (gels) and foams can be used by both aerial and ground fighting resources. During the 2019/20 bushfire season pressure was put on the existing stocks of retardant, which is imported from overseas.
Imposing additional requirements
As a result, The Royal Commission into National Natural Disasters Arrangements made the following observation ‘Governments should ensure that Australia’s procurement plans match, or can accommodate, anticipated requirements [of retardant]. If these cannot be met, consideration should be given to domestic manufacturing.’
AFAC currently has a national position Use of Chemicals in Bushfire Control and Prescribed Burning
Apart from investigating means to assure the supply chain of retardants and suppressants, it has been suggested that an Australian chemical testing and approval system be established. AFAC currently has a national position Use of Chemicals in Bushfire Control and Prescribed Burning that states that “AFAC supports the use of chemicals in bushfire control and prescribed burning that have been qualified under the US Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Chemical System, or equivalent.” As well as requiring qualification under the USDA’s WFCS, individual jurisdictions may impose additional requirements on the use of chemicals in bushfire firefighting, (in particular, around local environmental and OHS considerations).
Aerial bushfire fighting
To enable designing a national approach that captures these additional requirements, without duplicating the work done in the US, a national ‘users group’ has been established with jurisdictional representatives. The group will also define supply requirements for forthcoming seasons, not just for retardant but all chemicals used in-ground and aerial bushfire fighting. Understanding national stock levels and identifying any potential supply issues could prove highly beneficial, especially if Australia is faced with another season like 2019/20.
The Minderoo Foundation and NSW RFS have offered their support to conduct a retardant trial that could assist in developing a domestic market. The nature of the trial and its objectives will be informed by the subject matter experts of the user group. It is anticipated that the trial will take place in NSW this year, after the conclusion of the fire season.