Although aircraft are often the most visible part of the response to a fire, and therefore believed to be the most important, almost all fires are still extinguished by ground crews.
The CFS currently has a base fleet of 26 aircraft, which can be relocated across several airstrips across the state to offer aerial firefighting support to ground crews.
Aircraft are particularly valuable for fires in difficult terrain or fast-moving fires that are too dangerous for ground crews to be placed in front of.
They may not be able to fly if wind speeds are too high, dust or smoke covers the fire, or when daylight is fading.
Firefighting aircraft will also be grounded if Remotely Piloted Aircraft (drones) are flown without permission over a fire ground.
Although other places in the world may be experimenting with night aerial firefighting, the CFS can only legally and safely operate during daylight hours.
Aircraft fleet
Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT)
The CFS currently contracts 14 SEATs, or fire bombers, throughout South Australia.
The SEATs can fly at almost 300kph and carry 3,200 litres of water and firefighting chemicals.
Tactical and Strategic Overview aircraft
Eight helicopters and three aeroplanes make up the CFS tactical and strategic overview fleet.
These aircraft are used to observe, collect information to help predict the path of the fire, gather and relay information, and map the perimeter of the fire. They also help to coordinate SEATs to specifically support firefighters at problematic parts of the fire ground where ground crews may not be able to access the fire, or where people, homes and buildings may be in danger.
Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters
The Black Hawks can carry 4,500 litres of water and firefighting chemicals and can refill from open water sources in less than 60 seconds.
The FT4500 ‘belly’ tanks on the helicopters can also be replaced with 3,400 litre Bambi Bucket systems for specialised operations.
The Black Hawks have an operational firefighting cruising speed of 230 km/h and are underway in less than 5 minutes.
The Black Hawks will primarily operate as a combined duo, with the ability to separate them for individual missions on the rare occasions they are required in different locations.
Large Air Tankers (LATs) and Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs)
As part of a national firefighting agreement, LATs may be requested from interstate.
LATs are currently operated by the New South Wales and Victorian firefighting organisations, and may carry between 15,000 and 38,000 litres of water and firefighting chemicals.
CFS air support teams work with the support of the Royal Australian Air Force at Edinburgh to refill LATs at the airbase if multiple drops are required.
Cleaning up if firefighting chemicals are used on your property
The concentrations of chemicals used in drops are not harmful to animals or humans and are biodegradable.
It is recommended that you wash in cold water with a mild soap as a precaution to avoid possible skin irritation if you come in contact with the products.
If your house is doused and your gutters run off to a rainwater tank, you should drain and flush the gutters and tank, then refill with fresh water.
The concentrations of chemicals used by the CFS do not pose health risks but may change the taste and potability of drinking water.
Water mixed with aerial drops in rainwater tanks can still be used for cleaning and firefighting.
Animals, cars or buildings that are doused in firefighting drops can also be washed with water and appropriate shampoos or soaps to remove residue.
If fruit trees or vegetables are doused, it is recommended that they be washed thoroughly before consumption to remove any residual taste.