The NSW Rural Fire Service-owned CH-47D Chinook helicopter has successfully completed its first night-time waterbombing operations, marking a major milestone in the state’s aerial firefighting capability.

The aircraft was deployed this week to the Genowlan Road Fire at Glen Alice, burning in the Lithgow LGA, which has already burnt more than 220 hectares since it began on Sunday.

Over the past two days, the waterbombing helicopter delivered more than 529,000 litres of water, including 194,800 litres across 27 drops during its night operations.

RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said the milestone of the first operational nighttime deployment represents a significant advancement in the RFS’s aerial firefighting capability.

“Nighttime waterbombing operations allow us to take advantage of calmer, more favourable conditions when fire behaviour is typically at its lowest,” Commissioner Curtin said.

“Overnight weather patterns often see fire activity ease considerably, giving firefighters a critical window to strengthen containment lines and reduce the intensity of a fire before it potentially escalates again during the day.

“Carrying more than 10,000 litres of water or retardant, and with the ability to operate safely and effectively at night, the Chinook means we can better support ground crews, protect communities and make the most of every opportunity to suppress a fire.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the NSW Government is ensuring firefighters have world-class tools and technology, and the Chinook’s first nighttime waterbombing operation are a clear example of that investment delivering real benefits for communities.

“Supporting the RFS with enhanced aviation capability means we can take advantage of every opportunity to slow the spread of fire, especially during the critical overnight hours when conditions are often more favourable.”

“After a year that has seen high rainfall and storms, we are now starting to see some fire activity and our RFS crews are prepared and ready to respond with equipment deployed to brigades across NSW. 

“The NSW Government continues to back the RFS with the resources, equipment and innovation to combat bush fires in NSW; and with night-time operations like this, it demonstrates how our modern capabilities are helping to protect lives, properties and communities across NSW.”

The CH-47D Chinook is one of 13 RFS owned aircraft, supported by more than 200 aircraft through call-when-needed and contract arrangements.