Key Facts
| Current Title: |
| South Australian Country Fire Service |
| English Title: |
| South Australian Country Fire Service |
| Abbreviation: |
| CFS |
| First Established: |
| ? |
| ICAO Code: |
| (None) |
| Country: |
| Australia |
| Status: |
| Active |
History
Narrative Summary
The South Australian Country Fire Service was formed in 1976 from a variety of county-funded fire brigades that had become known as the Emergency Fire Service (EFS). In 1989 the State Government took control of the CFS and started to improve equipment levels and standardise operating procedures. It is not clear when the first aircraft started to be used in SA for aerial fire-fighting.
Aircraft are an invaluable tool in spotting and tackling fires in remote areas. The CFS has on long-term contract a small fleet of aircraft, which is supplemented each fire season by up to several more aircraft and helicopters on short-term contracts.
Key Dates
| 194? | Emergency Fire Service (EFS) established. | |
| 1976 | EFS renamed Country Fire Service (CFS). | |
| 1989 | State Government takes control of CFS. | |
| ? | First aircraft used. |
Current Status
The CFS Aerial Firefighting Fleet aircraft and helicopters are fully operational.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
Special Markings
CFS Aerial Firefighting Fleet aircraft and helicopters fly in the colour schemes of the contracted operator. Aircraft on long term contracts usually carry the red and yellow CFS logo on the fuselage. The Cessna 208 carries the additional titles SA COUNTRY FIRE SERVICE on the fuselage.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
CFS Aerial Firefighting Fleet aircraft and helicopters carry Australian civil aircraft registrations, e.g. AS350 VH-HPO.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
| Aircraft Type | Total Del’d | Total Active | Still on Order | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospatiale AS350 Squirrel | ? | 2 | 0 | Surveillance |
| Air Tractor AT-802 | ? | 10 | 0 | Fire Fighting |
| Cessna 182 | ? | 3 | 0 | Surveillance |
| Cessna 208B Grand Caravan | 1 | 1 | 0 | Surveillance |
| Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane | 1 | 1 | 0 | Fire Fighting |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
(Multi-year contracted aircraft only).
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospatiale AS350 Squirrel | ? | ? | current | contractor |
| Aerospatiale AS355 Squirrel | ? | ? | ? | contractor |
| Air Tractor AT-802 | ? | ? | current | contractor |
| Bell 205A | ? | ? | ? | contractor |
| Cessna 182 | ? | ? | current | contractor |
| Cessna 208B Grand Caravan | ? | ? | current | contractor |
| PZL-Mielec M-18B Dromader | ? | ? | ? | contractor |
| Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane | ? | ? | ? | contractor |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
CFS STATE HEADQUARTERS, Level 7, 60 Waymouth Street, Adelaide SA 5000.
Organisational Structure
The CFS Aerial Firefighting Fleet has no subordinate units.
Current Unit Assignments
No subordinate units.
Historical Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
To be added.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
As above.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
None known.
Websites
South Australian Country Fire Service – Aircraft Operations
South Australian Country Fire Service
wikipedia: South Australian Country Fire Service
CFS Display 2010
Big fire-fighters at work in Australia
Airliners.net: SA Country Fire Service