SA Country Fire Service

Media release

CFS Aviation training returns to the skies over the Spencer Gulf

18/09/2020

The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) will be conducting a six-day aviation training from Sunday 20th until Friday 25th of September, based out of the Port Pirie Airbase.

The training will see Air Observer and Air Attack Supervisor aerial activities taking place over Telowie Gorge Conservation Park, Mount Remarkable and the Clements Gap Conservation Park.

CFS Manager State Aviation Operations, Nik Stanley, said the team is looking forward to returning to the air for their final all-in training, prior to the commencement of the 2020-21 Fire Danger Season,

"Aircraft are really important in supporting firefighters on the ground, particularly when fires are in difficult terrain or where they are burning too quickly or dangerously for ground crews to get in front of them."

"These exercises will give our crew the opportunity to hone their skills in a safe environment, ahead of the commencement of the Fire Danger Season."

"The main training days involving firebombing aircraft will be Thursday and Friday in Telowie Gorge Conservation Park, but communities on the Yorke Peninsula and around the Southern Flinders Rangers might also notice our aircraft doing fly-overs over the course of the week, as Air Observers refine their aerial mapping and intelligence gathering skills."

Over the six days, 12 volunteers and around 20 CFS staff will be involved, accompanying a fleet of two Single Engine Air Tankers, a helitack aircraft, a helicopter surveillance aircraft and two fixed wing surveillance aircraft.

"Smoke canisters will be used to simulate bushfire smoke, but locals can be assured that we will have ground crews in attendance with fire extinguishing resources, in case they are required".

The CFS State Aviation Operations team will run up to 18 drills per day between 9:00am and 4:30pm on all six days.

Media information
For media enquiries call the CFS Media Line on 08 8115 3531.

Government of South Australia