Victoria has welcomed a Black Hawk helicopter, capable of holding up to 4,000 litres of water and dropping fire retardant and foam, to bolster the state’s fleet of firefighting aircraft.

The state is well prepared for potential fires this summer, with 50 aircraft positioned across the state.

The fleet was unveiled at Avalon Airport today. It also includes two Large Air Tankers, a CH47 Chinook, and other Type 1 helicopters, including a Super Puma and an Aircrane.

The latest Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for summer indicates Victoria will experience normal fire potential for the north and west, with the risk of grass fires increasing as conditions dry out. Below normal fire potential is forecast for areas including eastern parts of the state this summer.

Whether it is for fires or for floods, emergency services will continue to do everything they can to keep communities safe.

Aircraft provide vital support for emergency services on the ground. They have played a key role during the flood response, with more than 1800 movements since 1 October, transporting emergency services workers and surveying impacted areas.

Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said: “Victoria is well prepared to respond to all types of emergencies this summer. Our aviation fleet is strategically placed across the state, according to risk.

“While many Victorians have been preparing for and responding to floods, it’s important to be prepared for fires, have a plan and never rely on one source of information.”

Victoria also has a surge capacity of up to 100 aircraft that can supplement the core fleet and be called when needed, including support from thousands of dedicated emergency services workers from across all agencies.