THE FESA Busselton-based Helitac 682 helicopter that helped put out the Busselton raging bushfire on the fringe of the CBD earlier this year will take flight today back to Perth, as its contract for the summer fire season has come to an end.
FESA air operations manager Peter Saint said the helicopter would leave Australia to commence other company contracts.
“The reason the helicopter is leaving Busselton is because it is only contracted for 84 days for the fire season,” he said.
“This season saw an extension of 19 days beyond the 84 days due to weather conditions and fire risk.”
The helicopter is expected back in Busselton in January to help fight fires in the South West and surrounding areas.
Busselton Fire Services captain, Rob Papalia said the Type 1 water bomber was based in Busselton to cover the high risk areas of the region and was an excellent resource to the South West region.
“As far as Busselton Fire District is concerned, without their assistance with the recent West Street fire there was potential for a significantly different outcome and probably extensive property damage,” he said.
“The risk factors for the next fire season will still be there. We thank the State Government in particular Vasse MLA Troy Buswell and Rob Johnson (Minister for Emergency Services) for the funding and look forward to funding next year for the helicopter and crew to be based in Busselton.”
This season the helicopter was activated 57 times covering the area from Esperance to Toodyay and delivering a almost one million litres of water to help put out the fires.
Email a friend