Port Pirie residents may notice an increase in aircraft activity in the coming week as the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) conducts a range of aviation exercises as part of its annual preparations for the bushfire season.
The CFS, along with contractors from Aerotech and Helifarm, will be conducting the exercises out of the Port Pirie Aerodrome from Sunday, 25 September to Friday, 30 September between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Residents within the Port Pirie and surrounding areas should not be alarmed by the presence of aircraft.
Training program
CFS Manager - State Aviation Operations, Nik Stanley said the training exercises will involve one Blackhawk helicopter, two fixed-wing firebombing aircraft, and two surveillance aircraft, conducting up to 10 flights per day.
"Approximately 80 CFS and DEW Air Operations personnel, including staff, volunteers, and contractors, will complete the training program which gives them practical skills in the control and coordination of firebombing aircraft," said Mr. Stanley.
aircraft activity
Mr. Stanley said the community may notice an increase in aircraft activity in the training areas
Nik Stanley adds, "This is the first year we have been able to integrate the new Blackhawk helicopters into our training, and air operations personnel will be refining their skills in the collection of intelligence, aerial mapping of fires, and ground-to-air tactical communication."
Mr. Stanley said the community may notice an increase in aircraft activity in the training areas.
bushfire smoke
Nik Stanley continues, "Smoke canisters will be used to simulate bushfire smoke during the exercises, and locals can be assured that we will have ground crews in attendance with fire extinguishing resources, in the event they are required."
"If residents see aerial firefighting and surveillance aircraft operating in and around the Port Pirie area, including Telowie Gorge and Wirrabara Range Conservation Parks, they should not be concerned," he further said.