Queensland’s fire season has started and, with temperatures already climbing above 30 degrees, aerial firefighting specialist McDermott Aviation is gearing up for the season ahead.
The company’s specialist teams are preparing to deploy 23 aircraft across five states to support emergency services and communities during bushfire events.
The deployment comes as fire and emergency authorities prepare for heightened bushfire risk in several regions across Australia this spring.
McDermott Aviation founder and president John McDermott says maintaining a high level of readiness is fundamental to the company’s approach.
“Every fire season is different, and our job isn’t to predict what is going to happen,” he says.
“Our job is to be prepared and to make sure we have the people, aircraft and support capability ready when we’re called on.
“Our aircraft work alongside the firefighters and emergency services on the ground, helping them contain fires and protect what matters.
“Ultimately, this work is about helping keep people and communities safe and protecting homes, property, critical infrastructure, livestock, native wildlife and the environment.
“Firefighting has been a major part of what we do at McDermott Aviation for many years and, coming into every season, our focus is on making sure our aircraft and our people are ready to go when they’re needed.
“Having 23 aircraft contracted across five states is a significant operation.
“But there is a lot more behind that number than the aircraft themselves. We have pilots, engineers, ground crews, operations staff and support teams working across the country to keep those aircraft serviceable, positioned and ready to respond.
“We are incredibly proud of the role our team plays during fire season and proud to continue supporting communities across Australia.”
