Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith today welcomed the arrival of the state’s first Large Air Tanker ‘Thor’ to assist firefighters and help protect communities during the bushfire season.
The Hercules C130 aircraft can dump 15,000 litres of water or fire retardant at a time and will be used for direct attack on bush and grass fires. A DC-10 Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) will begin service on October 1.
“The NSW Government is delivering on a $9.8 million commitment to trial the use of a LAT and a VLAT for the first time during this bushfire season, providing valuable assistance to our firefighters,” Stuart Ayres said.
Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott said the LAT is one of the biggest firefighting aircraft available in the world and was most recently used to support firefighters and protect communities in the US and Canada.
“Importantly, it’s their integration with the work of firefighters on the ground, along with a well prepared community, that makes the difference,” Mr Elliott said.
Stuart Ayres also urged Penrith residents to join firefighters on Get Ready weekend to prepare for the coming bushfire season.
Volunteer firefighters are holding events and activities in Penrith on September 12 and 13 to inform residents about what they can do to prepare for bushfires.
“Preparing for bushfires is easier than people may think,” Stuart Ayres said.
“There are lots of activities planned where people can talk to firefighters about how they can take some simple steps to reduce their risk this bushfire season.
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said volunteers have been busy preparing for this season by undertaking hazard reduction burns, maintaining firefighting equipment and undergoing training.
“Now we’re asking the community to do their bit,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
“I invite people to visit the NSW RFS website and find out where things are planned in their local area. They can talk to our volunteers at a Brigade station Open Day or at local Bunnings stores and take some simple steps towards reducing their fire risk.
“Warmer than normal temperatures and low rainfall are predicted, which means we need to prepare for an above average fire season.
Events in Penrith include:
|
What |
Who |
When |
|
RFS event at Bunnings Warehouse |
2166 Castlereagh Road, North Penrith
|
12 September – 9am to 4pm |
