24 August 2026: This week marks the start of Queensland’s fire season and, with temperatures forecast to climb above 30 degrees across parts of South East Queensland this weekend, aerial firefighting specialist McDermott Aviation is gearing up for the season ahead, preparing to deploy 23 aircraft across five states to support emergency services and communities during bushfire events.
The deployment comes as fire and emergency authorities prepare for heightened bushfire risk in a number of regions across Australia this spring.
The National Council for Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) Spring 2026 Seasonal Bushfire Outlook identifies a heightened risk of fire across northern and south-eastern New South Wales, south-east Queensland, north-eastern Tasmania, parts of Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria, and large parts of the Northern Territory.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s Spring 2026 long-range forecast indicates temperatures are likely to be above average across most of Australia, while rainfall is likely to be below average across parts of southern and eastern Australia.
McDermott Aviation’s Queensland contract is already underway, with two aircraft currently based in Toowoomba and a third at McDermott Aviation’s Sunshine Coast base in Cooroy, available for deployment anywhere in Australia as required.
As the fire season progresses around the country, McDermott Aviation will have five aircraft contracted in Victoria, five in Tasmania, nine in Western Australia and one in New South Wales.
The fleet comprises a combination of Bell 214ST and Bell 214B heavy-lift helicopters, AS355 Twin Squirrels and Dauphins, providing aerial firefighting and operational support capability across the country, helping suppress fires and supporting wider efforts to protect communities, wildlife and property during what is expected to be a challenging bushfire season.
McDermott Aviation Founder and President John McDermott said while every fire season was different, maintaining a high level of readiness was fundamental to the company’s approach.
“Every fire season is different and our job isn’t to predict what is going to happen. Our job is to be prepared and to make sure we have the people, aircraft and support capability ready when we’re called on,” Mr McDermott said.
“Our aircraft work alongside the firefighters and emergency services on the ground, helping them contain fires and protect what matters. Ultimately, this work is about helping keep people and communities safe and protecting homes, property, critical infrastructure, livestock, native wildlife and the environment.
“Firefighting has been a major part of what we do at McDermott Aviation for many years and, coming into every season, our focus is on making sure our aircraft and our people are ready to go when they’re needed,” Mr McDermott said.
“Having 23 aircraft contracted across five states is a significant operation, but there is a lot more behind that number than the aircraft themselves.
“We have pilots, engineers, ground crews, operations staff and support teams working across the country to keep those aircraft serviceable, positioned and ready to respond.
“We are incredibly proud of the role our team plays during fire season and proud to continue supporting communities across Australia.”
McDermott Aviation’s Aerial Firefighting Capability
Aerial firefighting has been a core part of McDermott Aviation’s operations for decades, with the company supporting fire and emergency services in Australia and internationally.
Its firefighting operations are supported by McDermott Aviation’s in-house engineering and maintenance capability, enabling aircraft to be maintained and supported throughout demanding, high-tempo operations.
The company’s specialist teams work throughout the fire season to maintain aircraft availability and support rapid deployment as operational requirements change across states and regions.
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Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au
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