The Australian fire season has begun early, with McDermott Aviation deploying two helicopters to assist firefighting efforts in South East Queensland over the weekend. The aircraft carried out more than 120 water drops, delivering over 300,000 litres to the fires as crews battled blazes fanned by strong winds.

Despite widespread rainfall earlier in the year, vegetation growth and ground fuel loads have combined with hot, dry conditions that now provide an ideal environment for bushfires to spread.

John McDermott, founder and president of McDermott Aviation, says conditions are starting earlier every year. “We are increasingly seeing the start and finish of fire seasons blurring, in both Europe and Australia. In Greece, fires are starting earlier and burning longer, and we're seeing the same trend here at home. That means our teams have to be on the ready year-round, with our helicopters and crews mobilised at a moment's notice.”

McDermott Aviation currently has 15 helicopters stationed in Greece supporting firefighting operations, with several aircraft expected to return to Australia as the European season slows.

“Bushfires don't wait for dates in a calendar. We stand ready wherever and whenever we're needed, whether that's in Greece, across Europe or here in our own backyard,” adds McDermott.

Headquartered on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, McDermott Aviation operates the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately-owned helicopter fleet, including the world’s largest collection of Bell 214 series helicopters. The company provides firefighting and natural disaster response support across Australia, Europe and North America.