When it comes to the early detection of fires, to protect life and property, piloted aircraft still come out on top. For example, over the southern part of Western Australia (WA), Perth and other WA centres are surrounded by precious state forests, reserves, national and local conservation parks. Many urban and industrial areas also have bush and tree-rich parks and areas.
Whenever there’s a big bush fire, television coverage focuses on the high profile water bombers, with the “spotters” or more correctly, “detection fleet” rarely mentioned. But their role in detection and coordination is critical.
History
The WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), says that before aerial detection fleets, purpose built, fire lookout towers were common for detection, in Australia (and North America). It is a tough job,…
