RFS conducts first overnight water-bombing mission near Lithgow
In short:
The RFS Chinook helicopter has carried out its first night-time water-bombing operations, dropping almost 200,000 litres on a blaze near Lithgow.
The agency says while the missions are "high-risk" they are a "game changer" for firefighting efforts.
What's next?
The Genowlan Road Fire is being controlled after dozens of overnight missions were carried out this week.
The NSW Rural Fire Service has carried out its first night-time water-bombing operation in what is a potential "game changer" for fighting fires.
The agency's CH-47D Chinook helicopter was deployed this week to the Genowlan Road Fire at Glen Alice, near Lithgow.
The water-bombing helicopter dropped almost 200,000 litres of water across 27 night-time flights this week.
"Overnight weather patterns often see fire activity ease considerably and that's giving firefighters a critical window," NSW RFS deputy commissioner Ben Millington said.
"We try and take advantage of that and using aircraft and the water they are able to drop certainly enhances our ability to do so.
"It is a game changer for us."
The NSW RFS CH-47D Chinook helicopter conducted its first night-time water-bombing operations this week. (Supplied: NSW RFS)
The $9 million helicopter has the ability to carry 11,000 litres of water or fire retardant per mission.
Pilot's experience
For the past 18 months, since the RFS took ownership of the Chinook, pilots and crews have been training to carry out overnight operations.
RFS volunteer Ben Woodhouse put off the start of harvest to co-pilot the Chinook helicopter at night while battling the Genowlan Road fire.
"It was quite amazing … It is not easy but it is not extremely hard, there are a lot more risks at night," Mr Woodhouse said.
"It's been a long process to get there but once we did our first night on the fire we could see all our training come together … We were able to do some really good, effective work."
The Genowlan Road Fire is being contained after night-time water-bombing operations. (Supplied: NSW RFS)
Mr Millington said the firefighters used night vision goggles to reduce the risk of crashes.
"When you think about powerlines and the ability to see all those things at night-time … It is a high-risk activity,"he said.
"We need to make sure our pilots and crews are very safe doing that but when it all comes together it is a very successful mission."
Mr Woodhouse said he expected night-time operations to become increasingly important during bushfire seasons.
"By an indication of this last fire and night operation, I think it is a massive success and I hope to see more aircraft available for night operations."
Future of firefighting
On Thursday, the NSW RFS was fighting more than 20 fires across the state.
Mr Millington said predictions of a "wet October didn't eventuate", resulting in "a lot of fire activity over the last couple of weeks".
"We've seen some significant drying conditions across the state resulting in a number of total fire ban declarations,"he said.
NSW RFS deputy commissioner Ben Millington says night-time water-bombing will be "very important" for firefighting efforts over summer. (Supplied: NSW RFS)
Mr Millington said aerial assets were critical to fighting fires, and night-time operations made them more effective.
"They certainly are able to convey a lot of water and retardant," he said.
"[That] assists with that firepower that we need to protect homes and communities throughout the summer."
Fire continues to burn
As of Friday morning, the Genowlan Road Fire was sitting at advice level, after reaching watch and act earlier in the week.
The Genowlan Road fire at Glen Alice, near Lithgow has burnt more than 220 hectares since it began on Sunday. (Supplied: NSW RFS)
The blaze, which has burnt more than 220 hectares, is currently being controlled.
Storm activity is expected to be seen across the central tablelands on Friday.
"Hopefully that fireground will receive some rainfall, we aren't expecting significant rain," Mr Millington said.
"That may hamper our access efforts but the ground crews have done a fantastic job on that fire."