Exercise Falcon strengthens NZ Army’s multi-pronged approach to wildfires

A fixed-wing plane from Airworks dumped water over a controlled burn site in Waiouru Military Camp Training Area during Exercise Falcon. Photo / NZDF

The New Zealand Army Emergency Response team has trained for the first time in using a commercial fixed-wing aircraft to fight a wildfire.

Exercise Falcon, held over two days at the Waiouru Military Camp Training Area, aimed to improve wildfire response capabilities and efficiency.

Waiouru Fire Station’s 20 personnel took part, along with volunteer firefighters who helped maintain cover of State Highway 1.

“We often train with commercial helicopters with buckets, but it was the first time we also worked alongside a commercial fixed-wing aircraft that was able to land in the area,” fire master Staff Sergeant Matthew Anker said.

The training was focused on zones used for artillery training and where fires sometimes broke out, he said.

The exercise ensured a fixed-wing aircraft could fly and land in the northern end of the training area at the designated Moving Target Range, allowing Waiouru Fire Station personnel to oversee multiple aircraft.

The team carried out additional fire and protection measure rehearsals alongside the exercise.

NZ Army personnel from the Waiouru Fire Station took part in Exercise Falcon at Waiouru Military Camp Training Area. Photo / NZDF

“Our standard operating procedures mean we always have fire safety plans and mitigations in place for all exercises, but we always have to be prepared and train for when things go wrong.”

The Airworks fixed-wing plane was loaded with 2000 litres of water, which was dumped over the controlled burn site.

Two aircraft from Mid West Helicopters NZ assisted with water dumped from buckets.

Anker said the exercise had a dual benefit, reducing fuel-load for future fires through the controlled burn and providing a training opportunity.

“The fires we set also acted as preventative burning in areas where fires are likely to start in the future,” he said.

“We were then able to call the aircraft in to extinguish the fire that we had started.

“The aircraft was really effective in putting the fire out and stopping it in its tracks.”

It was a good opportunity to work effectively with outside agencies in light of the increasing effects of climate change and extreme weather making large-scale wildfires higher risk, he said.

“It was essentially a dry run to prepare us for the fire season.

“It was really valuable to be able to train with both the fixed-wing and helicopters at the same time. It’s like going from a small arms weapon to a 50-calibre gun.

“The training was a huge success because we were able to establish standard operating procedures to use fixed-wing aircraft on large-scale fires.”