New aerial firefighting base at Brukunga

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is CFS moving it's airbase to Brukunga?

Moving the airbase location from Woodside to Brukunga will improve aerial firefighting efficiency and safety and consequently community safety.  

The move has been instigated by Aerotech First Response who is one of the primary contractors for provision of aircraft services for the SA Country Fire Service.  As part of this contract they are required to provide a suitable airbase for operations.   The airbase is one of 41 across South Australia and has been situated at Woodside for the last 30 years.   As the CFS continues to improve the delivery of aerial firefighting services it was identified that a new base will offer the community an improved capability in aircraft response.

Who are Aerotech First Response and how do they relate to CFS?

Aerotech First Response, is a South Australian family owned company, and is the primary contractor for the provision of 16 aircraft services ACROSS South Australia to the CFS.  (Ten (10) single engine air tankers and five surveillance/supervision aircraft) in various locations around South Australia.

How will the new airbase impact the response to fires within the Mount Lofty Ranges?

Increased aviation capability will increase the ability for aerial firefighting resources to respond to incidents within the Mount Lofty Ranges.  Greater filling capacity and more parking areas at the new Brukunga airbase will facilitate firebombing aircraft having a quicker turnaround when landing and taking off.  The new airbase and runway will enable air tankers to take off with near maximum loads in all but the worst weather conditions.

What improvements will be seen at the Brukunga airbase?

Additional crew welfare facilities will help manage fatigue levels of pilots and aircrews. The Aerial Firefighting Base will also include:

• Multiple loading pads that will allow quicker turnaround of firebombing aircraft during sustained operations;
• Larger capacity bulk infrastructure of aerial firefighting product and water for sustained operations;
• Designated aircraft parking areas that better separate helicopter and fixed wing aircraft operations;
• Additional space and infrastructure that will allow for any short of long term expansion of aircraft numbers and types during periods of peak operational activity of major campaign fires;
• Improved security for aircraft and associated infrastructure;

It is located geographically closer to additional aerial firefighting logistical bulk supplies used to support sustained operations, stored at the CFS State Training Centre in Brukunga.

Will this affect any jobs at Woodside Airstrip?

No jobs will be compromised with all contracted employees and staff to move to the new location.

Recognition of the Kerber family contribution

CFS wishes to recognise the significant contribution the owners of the Woodside Airstrip land (Mr Trevor Kerber and family) have made towards supporting aerial firefighting and the protection of bushfire affected communities in the Mount Lofty Ranges for more than 25 years.

How will the new airbase impact nearby residents?

Aerial firefighting bases are only operational during the Fire Danger Season.  If there is a fire in the local area aircraft will operate out of this base.  For fires which are further away, operations in the Mount Lofty Ranges may be conducted out of Cherry Gardens, Mt Crawford, Pallamanna, Gawler or Aldinga airstrips.  At other times the bases are dormant and aircraft activity is minimal.  The runway will be grassed to limit the impact of dust from runway activity.  Landing and take-off flight paths at Brukunga do not fly directly over any built up residential areas.

Why is the new runway so long?

A longer (1100m) runway at higher elevation that will allow firebombing aircraft increased safety during take offs under adverse weather conditions with higher capacity loads. The runway is also multi-directional with an alignment that will provide greater landing and take-off options for pilots under adverse and wide ranging weather conditions.

How much funding CFS contribute to the new airbase?

CFS did not contribute any funding towards the development of the Brukunga Aerial Firefighting Base.  In its contracts with aviation companies, CFS requires the company to supply an acceptable airbase from which to operate the contracted aircraft.

When will the airbase be operational?

Aerotech First Response will have the Brukunga Aerial Firefighting Base operational prior to the commencement of the 2016/17 Fire Danger Season.  (by no later than the 1^st November 2016)

How many aircraft will use the base?

The Brukunga Aerial Firefighting Base will be the designated Nominated Operational Base for six single engine air tankers and four (one fixed wing and three helicopter) surveillance aircraft.

What will happen to other airbases?

CFS will continue to have aerial firefighting capabilities operating out of our 41 operational airbases throughout the state. In the Mount Lofty Ranges other airbases include Cherry Gardens and Mount Crawford.