A firefighting helicopter is on standby in a hinterland town with two more aircraft already stationed at Toowoomba as hot, dry conditions are forecast across the state’s south-east.
The Cooroy-based aircraft is part of a 23-strong McDermott Aviation fleet being positioned across five states as authorities prepare for what is expected to be a challenging fire season.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s Spring 2026 outlook points to above-average temperatures across most of Australia and below-average rainfall.
The National Council for Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) has identified heightened bushfire risk across Northern and South-Eastern New South Wales, South-East Queensland, North-Eastern Tasmania, parts of Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria, and large areas of the Northern Territory.
McDermott Aviation will deploy five aircraft in Victoria, five in Tasmania, nine in Western Australia and one in New South Wales as the season progresses.
The fleet includes heavy-lift Bell 214ST and Bell 214B helicopters, along with AS355 Twin Squirrels and Dauphins, providing aerial firefighting and operational support to emergency services.
McDermott Aviation founder and president John McDermott said maintaining a high level of readiness was fundamental to the company’s approach.
This included having pilots, engineers, ground crews, operations staff and support teams working across the country to keep the deployed aircraft serviceable, positioned and ready to respond.
The Sunshine-Coast-based company’s firefighting fleet is supported by its in-house engineering and maintenance teams, which keep aircraft serviceable and ready to move as fire conditions change.
“Every fire season is different and our job isn’t to predict what is going to happen,” Mr McDermott said.
“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.”
McDermott Aviation has been involved in aerial firefighting operations in Australia and internationally for decades.
