An Update on Operation Bushfire: January 17, 2020

01/18/2020
By Australian Department of Defence

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has commenced Operation Bushfire Assist 19-20 and has stood up Joint Task Forces in New South Wales and Victoria to enhance Defence support following devastating bushfires in the South East of Australia with Royal Australian Navy, Army and Royal Australian Air Force personnel and equipment.

ADF personnel are working with emergency services staff in the State Disaster Coordination Centre (SDCC) of the NSW Rural Fire Service Headquarters and alongside the Victorian Country Fire Authority and Metropolitan Fire Brigades to provide best effect of ADF assets.

The Royal Australian Air Force is dedicating five aircraft including C-27J Spartan, C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster to directly support civilian agencies in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia as well as logistics, ground support, health, specialist capabilities and accommodation from a number of bases.

The ADF will continue to provide transport and other assistance such as aviation ground support, logistics, engineering and accommodation support to the firefighting effort.

International support has been provided by a number of Australian allies.

In the video below, Japan has sent C-130 airlifters to help in the crisis.

In the following video, helo support has been provided by Singapore.