Rapid Initial Attack Strategy

Key findings in research undertaken by the Bushfire Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) determined "in order for aircraft to provide effective assistance, they must be available at call, rapidly dispatched with minimal travel, and with logistical systems in place".

Since the mid 1990s, CFS has established procedures for the safe and efficient response of aerial firefighting resources to bushfires, based on an aggressive, "rapid initial attack" strategy.  This strategy is supported through the establishment of specific Primary Response Zones (PRZs) across South Australia.

PRZs are defined geographical areas where uncontrolled grass or bushfires may have serious consequences on life, community property, critical infrastructure, environmental or commercial assets.  The CFS has identified three (3) PRZs for South Australia, encompassing portions of the Mount Lofty Ranges (MLR), Lower Eyre Peninsula (LEP) and Lower South East (LSE).  The size of PRZs are generally based on distances of no greater than a 50km radius from a nominated airbase, and flight times of less than 15 minutes to ensure initial attack success.

Aircraft Availability

PRZs are resourced with contracted firebombing and surveillance aircraft during peak periods of the Fire Danger Season at airbases at Woodside (MLR), Port Lincoln (LEP) and Mount Gambier (LSE), with the principle function of rapid and early attack of incipient or developing grass and bushfires and the provision on early and timely advice to the public.  Aircraft in these zones are placed on "active standby" during periods of high fire danger.

Aircraft Dispatch

When on active standby, aircraft are dispatched to any reported rural fire in PRZs simultaneously with the nearest CFS brigade.  The standard aircraft response is two (2) Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs), and two (2) surveillance aircraft.  The initial dispatch of aircraft can be supported with the response of additional firebombing aircraft if required.

All areas outside of defined PRZs are considered part of the state's Secondary Response Zone (SRZ). The primary function of aerial firefighting aircraft in the SRZ is to aid ground resources in the containment of larger fires and/or specific asset protection, as well as the provision of accurate and timely advice to the public.  Aerial firefighting aircraft are not strategically located in this zone for rapid initial attack, but responded based on a specific request by an Incident Controller and approved at a state level.  CFS may however pre-position aircraft in these areas based on exceptional predicted weather conditions such as dry lightning in order to reduce response times.   

Logistical systems

CFS has established a network of over 40 strategic fixed-wing airbases and helibases to support aircraft responses to high risk bushfire areas of South Australia, including Kangaroo Island, Mount Lofty Ranges, Fleurieu Peninsula, Lower and Upper South-East, Murray Mallee, Mid North, Flinders Ranges and Eyre Peninsula.