Defence assistance amid bushfires

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is working closely with Emergency Management Australia to provide assistance to the civil community facing catastrophic fire dangers across eastern Australia.
The Naval Air Station Nowra, HMAS Albatross, has been hosting a number of aircraft associated with the bushfire suppression support activities as well as providing aviation fuel and administrative buildings for mission planning.

In addition to hosting aircraft, NSW Rural Fire Service and National Parks fixed-wing aircraft have been using the airfield for the transfer of personnel and stores.

The ADF has also authorised the use of RAAF bases at Richmond and Williamtown for refuelling and support of aircraft for fire response.

In Tasmania, twenty-three ADF personnel assisted Tasmanian Police in the search and clearance of undamaged buildings in Dunalley, Boomer Bay and Marion Bay in the wake of the Tasmanian bushfires.

All requests for Defence assistance during a disaster are made by the affected state or territory through Emergency Management Australia.