A grassfire in the outer suburbs of Melbourne in Victoria was the first outing for Erickson Air-Crane "Marty" which is one of several Air Crane's that forms part of a joint venture between Erickson and Kestrel aviation to fight Australian bushfires.
The brush fire threatened communities of Mount Cottrell and Truganina but was quickly brought under control with the response from the Air-Crane and an S-61 from Coulson Aviation that was sent to the scene. The fire burned nearly 250 acres before being brought under control with the rapid response of over 40 ground units and several helicopters.
The damage from the fire was contained to several farm outbuildings and eight cars that were stored on one property in the area.
Earlier, state duty officer Glen Jennings said the fire had created a lot of smoke which was visible in Melbourne's CBD.
Residents were advised to leave when an emergency warning was issued at the height of the crisis but the warning was later downgraded to advice level.
