Aerial firefighting exercises in the Mid North
05/09/2025
This month, the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) will conduct simulated aerial firefighting drills in the state's Mid North in preparation for Fire Danger Season.
The exercises will use smoke canisters to mimic bushfire activity around the Mount Remarkable National Park, Wirrabara Range Conservation Park and Beetaloo Reservoir.
Training will take place from Tuesday 9 September to Thursday 11 September, and again from Tuesday 23 September to Thursday 25 September.
CFS Manager of State Aviation Operations Nik Stanley said the increased air traffic and smoke are part of planned annual exercises and should not be a concern for residents.
"These exercises are a crucial part of our annual pre-season training for our aviation team, as well as ground-based Incident Management personnel," Mr Stanley said.
"We understand the sight of smoke and firefighting aircraft can cause confusion, so we ask the public to refrain from making unnecessary Triple Zero (000) calls."
Around 70 CFS Air Operations personnel, including staff, volunteers, and contractors will participate in the drills based at Port Pirie Aerodrome.
The training will involve multiple observation aircraft, one utility helicopter, and two fixed-wing bombers.
The exercises will run daily from approximately 9.00 am to 4.30 pm, with operations based out of the Port Pirie Aerodrome.
Please contact CFS Media at cfs.communications@eso.sa.gov.au if you are attending the Port Pirie Aerodrome for photographic and filming opportunities.
