Ongoing Bushfire on Fraser Island Sees Firefighting Aircraft and Helicopters Deploy from Bundaberg Airport

On Tuesday 17 November, several bushfire fighting aircraft and helicopters were photographed operating out of Bundaberg Airport and flying to nearby Fraser Island where a fire that has been burning for around a month continues on the World Heritage Listed Island.

Queensland's own heavy water bombing aircraft, the Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE completed several flights across to Fraser Island and back to Bundaberg Airport as "Bomber 141".

It was again supported by the Agair Logistics P/L Rockwell Turbo Commander 690B VH-LVG "Birddog 273".

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While other fixed-wing firefighting aircraft operating out of Bundaberg Airport and flying across to Fraser Island and back included Kennedy Aviation / Kennedy Air-Ag Air Tractor AT-802A 'Fire Boss' water bombing aircraft - VH-XAT "Bomber 288" and VH-XAV "Bomber 266".

Central Highlands Aerial Services (CHAS) Air Tractor AT-802A VH-JQW "Bomber 271" also completed several flights across from Bundaberg Airport to Fraser Island.

As did Mungindi Aerial Spraying Air Tractor AT-802A VH-NFD "Bomber 429".

Finally, the visiting pair of McDermott Aviation / Heli-Lift Australia helicopters - Bell 214B-1 Biglifter helicopter VH-SUH "Helitack 417" and Aerospatiale AS.355F1 Squirrel VH-RLR "Helitack 460" - were also involved with firefighting efforts.

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Sincere thanks to Dan B from Dan Beck Photography for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Dan B  ©