Media release – Tasmanian Fire Service, 12 December 2024

Tasmania aerial firefighting fleet ready for 2024 bushfire season

Tasmania’s firefighting capability is ready for the 2024 bushfire season, with 9 specialised aircraft now in place in the south and a further 6 to be brought in prior to Christmas.

Each year, the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) ensures all Australian states and territories have access to vital aviation resources during the critical bushfire season.

Tasmania Fire Service Deputy Chief Officer Matt Lowe said that this summer, Tasmania has received 15 aircraft through the NAFC program, the same we had supporting us last bushfire season.

“Our fleet includes a mix of firebombing, aerial supervision and aerial intelligence-gathering aircraft—eight helicopters and seven fixed-wing planes, including some equipped with amphibious floats that allow them to land on water,” he said.

Deputy Chief Officer Lowe emphasised the critical role of aerial firefighting in Tasmania’s bushfire response strategy.

“Aerial firefighting continues to be a key part of our bushfire response, hitting the fires hard and fast to keep them as contained as possible, and getting vital information from above to help our ground crews plan and implement appropriate containment strategies,” he said.

While expressing confidence in the state’s preparedness, Deputy Chief Officer Lowe stressed the shared responsibility of bushfire safety.

“Having these aircraft on standby doesn’t mean the community can relax, everyone has a role to play in being ready,” he said.

“A well-prepared home is far more likely to survive a bushfire. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start your preparations now and make sure you have a bushfire plan in place.”

For tips on bushfire preparedness and creating a bushfire plan, visit bushfire.tas.gov.au.

  • Tasmania’s aerial firefighting fleet for 2024/25 includes:
  • 2 x “Air Tractor” AT-802F airplane
  • 4 x “Fireboss” is the AT-802F airplane, equipped with amphibious floats
  • 4 x “Bell” 214B helicopters
  • 2 x “Twin Squirrel” AS355-F1 helicopters
  • 1 x  AS350-B2 Special Intelligence Gathering helicopter
  • 1 x  BK117 winch-capable helicopter
  • 1 x Aero Commander firespotter airplane