Helicopter insertion training strengthens remote firefighting response

South Australia’s firefighting capability has taken a major step forward with the introduction of helicopter insertion training for remote area fire crews.

The introduction means remote area fire crews are able to access terrain previously inaccessible to ground crews in vehicles and provide quicker responses to remote fires.

This was critical to firefighting efforts at the recent Katarapko Island fire where crews could only travel to the island via barge or helicopter insertion.

SA Country Fire Service (CFS) State Aviation Operations has delivered the targeted training in partnership with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to nearly 80 NPWS arduous rated fire crews from across the state.

These crews meet strict fitness and skills requirements to operate in challenging terrain where rapid ground access is impossible.

The impact

Early suppression of bushfires in remote areas is critical to preventing small ignitions from escalating into large, destructive fires.

South Australia’s rugged landscapes often make vehicle access impossible, leaving helicopters as the fastest and safest option for deploying crews and equipment.

CFS Manager of State Aviation Operations Nik Stanley said the training was a major step forward for the state’s aerial firefighting capability.

'Helicopter insertion allows crews to access terrain that would usually be extremely difficult for ground crews to get to,' Mr Stanley said.

'This training and the use of helicopter insertion as a firefighting tactic means our crews will be able to respond quickly and prevent small rural fires from escalating.'

The CFS aerial fleet includes a Multi Mission Type 3 helicopter capable of aerial ignition, water bombing, reconnaissance, and fire crew insertion.

Specialist crews can now be transported by helicopter to suitable landing sites near fire lines. Larger equipment, such as portable pumps and floating collar dams, can also be delivered via sling load operations.

The training

Participants practiced safe procedures for working around aircraft, sling load operations, and embarking/disembarking drills.

The program also included familiarisation with remote area firefighting equipment and helicopter bucket operations.

Recent changes to civil aviation regulations classify helicopter-based fireground personnel carriage under aerial work.

This requires agencies like CFS to implement targeted training and checking systems in line with the updated Manual of Standards. The new training ensures compliance while enhancing safety and operational readiness.

This capability gives incident management teams a vital new option for rapid response in inaccessible terrain, improving South Australia’s resilience against bushfires.