Tackling the fire season together

The Green Triangle Fire Alliance (GTFA) has commended the outstanding efforts of industry brigades, state agencies, and community volunteers as they contend with ongoing heightened fire danger across South Australia and Victoria.

Extreme temperatures, gusty winds, and persistent dry conditions have driven severe fire danger ratings, with firefighting crews responding to more than 100 fires in the past week alone. These incidents resulted in the loss of key plantation estates, farming land, and areas of native forest.

The GTFA’s network of 15 AI-enabled fire detection cameras have been instrumental as a first point of detection for many of these fires, supporting rapid response times and guiding the strategic deployment of firefighting resources.

GTFA general manager Anthony Walsh highlighted the crucial role of industry-funded assets, including a dedicated helicopter that was dispatched to 11 fires, providing fast and efficient aerial suppression, often in rugged and difficult-to-access terrain.

“Our highly trained industry firefighting crews have been on high alert, working alongside CFA and CFS volunteers and state agencies to protect our communities and landscapes,” Mr Walsh said.

“These recent conditions have underscored the value of our AI-driven detection network, which is delivering real-time alerts ahead of traditional human surveillance. Early detection combined with rapid deployment, strengthened by our industry helicopter, is critical in preventing fires from escalating.”

The GTFA’s Forest Industry Brigade, derived from staff across nine plantation companies, comprises 300 trained firefighting personnel, 150 appliances, and an industry-funded helicopter, supported by strategically placed floating collar tanks for rapid aerial refuelling.

The Alliance has also invested in the development of key firefighting dams in priority areas, enhancing water availability near vital plantation assets.

“From boots on the ground to cutting-edge technology, every action taken strengthens our ability to safeguard the region,” Mr Walsh said.

“We sincerely acknowledge the collaboration and dedication of our industry partners, state fire agencies, and local volunteers. Their collective efforts are vital to building a more resilient Green Triangle in this drying climate.”

To learn more about the GTFA visit www.gtfa.com.au