The Coulson Group of Companies

By Jim Messer, Chief Operating OfficerOperations

Aircrane

February 7th turned into the worst fire disaster day on record for Southern Australia. Below are some pertanent data presented recently at a Fire Symposium in California.

Australia is one of the most fire-prone environments in the world.
More deaths and injuries from forest fire than from any other natural hazard.
Significant economic cost…..but fire is very much a part of the natural environment
Several recent instances of “very large” fires … 2003, 2006
Bulk of Australia population resides in the South-East sector.

The lead up, 2008/09 season
- 10+ years of dry conditions
- “Normal” spring rain
- Dry summer
- Generally average fire incidence and fire activity – fire behaviour starting to reflect dry conditions
- then a week of very high temps (but not a lot of wind)
07 February 2009
- Forecast indicated extreme ++ fire danger around 4 days ahead
  - very hot, low RH
  - very strong northerly wind with a sharp, gusty southerly change in the late afternoon
- Fire danger indices for grassland and forest forecast to be Extreme in all districts of Victoria - some districts forecast to reach > 300 (50+ is Extreme)
- Several wildfires with potential still burning from previous days
- Unusual synoptic pattern for extreme conditions – very dry air was expected to allow low-level jetstream to mix down to surface
- State at highest possible readiness.
- 30 + tactical aircraft in place. Type 1 Rotary, Type 2 Rotary SEATs
- Community warned to expect fires.
- Forecast proved accurate
- Typical conditions from about 1100 hrs:
  - sustained winds of 60-70 kmh, gusting to 90+ (45-55mph +)
  - temperatures 40 + deg C (105 F +)
  - RH < 10%
- Some locations experienced :
  - winds of 100 kmh + (65mph +)
  - temperatures > 45 deg C (114 F)
  - RH < 5 %
- Reduced visibility in dust (and smoke)
- Melbourne experienced its highest recorded temp 46.4 C (116 F)
- Many fires started across State during mid to late morning.
- Fire causes under investigation
  - malicious arson (probably only one instance)
  - power transmission
  - power tools, carelessness
  - escapes from previously controlled fires
- IA generally rapid (ground and air). Quite a bit of success.. but unsuccessful in some cases
- Those fires developed rapidly and exhibited extreme (astounding) behavior

Results of those 12 hours of terror:

310,000 ha (740,000 acres) burnt
Losses (mostly all in about 12 hours ):
- 201 lives (+)
- 1800 (+ houses)
- Many small businesses
- 3 schools, 2 police stations
- Considerable agricultural losses
- Electricity and communications infrastructure
- Water quality and water yield
- Community confidence
- Smoke effects (esp grapes, orchards)

Our hearts go out to our Australia friends during these trying times.

Feb, 2009 Volume 09-142

By Jim Messer, Chief Operating OfficerOperations

Aircrane

Pictures of C-FCLM & C-FMAY in Australia

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