History
Narrative Summary
Until 1997 the numerous (over 2000) rural firefighting brigades in NSW were coordinated by various committees which went under the names Bush Fire Advisory Committee, Bush Fire Committee, Bush Fire Council/Bush Fire Service etc. On 1 September 1997, a new goverment body, the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) was established by an act of Parliament, redefining the world’s largest fire service and building on a century of experience in protecting some of the most fire-prone areas on earth.
Aircraft are an invaluable tool in spotting and tackling fires in remote areas. The RFS owns and has on long-term contract a small fleet of aircraft, which is supplemented each fire season by up to 100 more aircraft and helicopters on short-term contracts.
Key Dates
| January 1975 | Bush Fire Service created. | |
| 1990 | Department of Bush Fire Services established. | |
| 1 September 1997 | NSW Rural Fire Service established. | |
| ? | First aircraft obtained. | |
| ? | First helicopter obtained. |
Current Status
The NSW RFS aircraft and helicopters are fully operational.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
Special Markings
NSW RFS helicopters fly in a red and white colour scheme. The NSW RFS logo appears on the cabin door. Contractor operated aircraft retain their original colour scheme with the addition of N.S.W. RURAL FIRE SERVICE titles. The NSE RFS logo often appears on the fuselage or fin.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
NSW RFS aircraft and helicopters carry Australian civil aircraft registration, e.g. AS350 VH-NFO.
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 | ? | ? | 0 | Utility |
| Air Tractor AT-802 | ? | ? | 0 | Fire Fighting |
| Beech Super King Air 200 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Surveillance |
| MBB BK117 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Fire Fighting |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
Only those aircraft carrying NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE titles are listed.
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospatiale AS350 Squirrel | ? | 19?? | current | France |
| Air Tractor AT-802 | ? | ? | current | contractor |
| Beech Super King Air 200 | 1 | ? | current | USA |
| Bell 212 | 1 | ? | ? | contractor |
| Cessna 208 Caravan | ? | ? | ? | contractor |
| MBB BK117 | 3 | 1990 | current | Japan/NSW Police |
| PZL-Mielec M-18B Dromader | ? | ? | ? | contractor |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
NSW Rural Fire Service Headquarters, 15 Carter Street, Lidcombe NSW 2141.
Organisational Structure
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
Bush Fire Bulletin.
Websites
NSW Rural Fire Service
wikipedia: New South Wales Rural Fire Service
NSW Rural Fire Service