This month, the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) will conduct a series of simulated aerial firefighting drills that will see increased aircraft traffic in the Mid North area of the state.
These exercises will use smoke canisters to mimic active bushfires in the Mid North area, specifically around Wirrabara Range Conservation Park.
Initial training will take place from Tuesday, 10 September to Friday, 13 September 2024, with further sessions in the final week of the month.
The drills are part of CFS’ annual pre-season training in preparation for Fire Danger Season.
CFS Manager of State Aviation Operations, Nik Stanley, assured residents that the increased aircraft activity is part of a planned exercise and should not be cause for concern.
“These exercises are crucial for training our Air Attack Supervisors and Air Observers. They help us assess aircraft capabilities and monitor fire behaviour,” Mr Stanley said.
“We understand that the sight of smoke may cause some confusion, so we ask the public to refrain from making unnecessary triple 0 calls.”
Around 40 CFS Air Operations personnel, including staff, volunteers, and contractors, will participate in the drills.
The training will involve one fixed-wing surveillance aircraft, two surveillance helicopters, and two Single Engine Air Tankers.
The exercises will run daily from approximately 9.00am to 4.30 pm, with operations based out of the Port Pirie Aerodrome.
