A combination of cutting-edge technology, helicopter water bombing and in-field firefighting was used to contain a large bushfire in Scotchman State Forest near Bellingen over the Australia Day weekend.
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Given the steep terrain, weather conditions, and proximity to the communities of Bellingen and Kalang, Forestry Corporation of NSW acted quickly to control and contain the fire.
The Rural Fire Service was also involved, helping to locate the fire and to find a suitable refuelling location for the helicopter that was used to water bomb the area throughout Sunday and Monday.
About 11 Forestry staff and contractors managed the fire on the ground.
Supervisor Tom Newby said the organisation’s motivation over the weekend was to keep the fire contained and protect neighbouring communities.
“Bushfires are a big risk in Australian summer and we take our responsibilities to protect the forest and nearby communities seriously,” Mr Newby said.
“Forestry Corporation committed significant resources to fighting the fires and our staff worked hard over the weekend to control the situation.
“Given the hot and dry conditions, these fires could very well have been much worse. Our firefighters live and work in the area, and their efforts over the weekend meant surrounding communities remained safe.”
Modern firefighting technology also meant the bushfire response was targeted and effective.
“The tools at our disposal these days greatly help us identify bushfires, plan our approach and communicate with other agencies,” Mr Newby said.
“We use drones to initially assess the fire and its extent, which meant our planning and response was accurate.
“Our mapping app, combined with portable radios in field and our partner agency’s technology systems, also meant we could quickly and clearly communicate with partners and the community.”
“Modern Australian firefighting is an advanced profession and we are grateful to have these advantages in battling the ever-present bushfire risk.”
Throughout the operation Forestry staff worked closely with neighbours and the helicopter pilot to minimise flying over houses and livestock, including one property with 26 horses.
Forestry Corporation is responsible for preventing and managing fires in two million hectares of state forests across New South Wales. It also assists with large bushfires on private property, other bushland in Australia and also overseas.
