New NSW RFS helicopter and Blue Mountains RAFT truck‏

Summary

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons  joined Minister Stuart Ayres yesterday for the handover of the NSW Police Force PolAir5 helicopter (a BK117) to the NSW RFS.

This helicopter will now be reconfigured with equipment and technology such as a winch, camera, radio, etc. providing for a versatile application in support of fire management operations including hazard reduction, fire fighting, transport and surveillance and will be available for operational activity in coming months. 


 

Not only will this helicopter be a valuable addition to our Remote Area and Rapid Aerial Fire-fighting Teams (RAFT & RART) and general RFS operations, like the more than 100 aircraft available through our state air desk, this machine will be available to other agencies such as SES, FRNSW, NPWS and Forestry in support of fire and other emergencies. 

The Blue Mountains RAFT crew join the handover and took time to look over the helicopter as well as their new RAFT vehicle delivered before Christmas.