The government of Western Australia has committed an additional $10.1 million to bolster Western Australia's aerial firefighting fleet ahead of what is expected to be another challenging bushfire season.
With an additional $10.1 million investment to bolster State Aerial Firefighting Fleet two additional Black Hawk helicopters will be brought on to the State Aerial Firefighting Fleet to provide rapid response to bushfires across Western Australia, as part of the State's biggest ever aerial firefighting fleet of ex-military aircraft.
The helicopters, which can hold up to 4,500 litres of water each, will be online for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons and based in strategic locations to the north and south of the metropolitan region.
"My Government is stepping up to invest in the best facilities, equipment and resources possible, as well as more firefighters to help keep Western Australians safe from the growing risk of bushfires. We've acted early ahead of a potentially tough season to secure two extra Black Hawks, which will provide invaluable support for firefighters on the ground as they work to protect lives and homes.” Said Premier Roger Cook.