DARWIN - Australia's defence force should be trained in fighting fires to help prevent a repeat of the Victorian bushfire tragedy, an academic says.
Dr Dan Baschiera, from Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory, said climate change had ensured fires would become an increasing threat in Australia.And he says defence personnel should be equipped to better protect communities, following Australia's worst peace-time disaster.
He suggests the defence force be able to rapidly convert military aircraft into water-tankers and to have access to more up to date technology that is currently being used in other countries.
Baschiera said global warming was moving from "rhetoric to disastrous reality".
"Firestorms of 100km/h plus were unbelievable once, but are now a reality," he said. "Processes need to be in place for the ADF to rapidly convert and deploy military aircraft into water-tankers with site-specific airstrips located to refill and refuel at a very efficient rate."
Technological advances in other countries - such as in the US where unpiloted aerial vehicles are used to monitor high-risk areas - should be adapted and used in Australia.
"The ADF should acquire these aircraft and have them 'in training' over the fire zones at the critical times of the year," Baschiera said.
"Linked to rapid response, these aircraft could bring in the water bombers and lock on to the suspect vehicles of potential arsonists as an immediate military support to civilian police.
"We need to utilise all the tools at our disposal."
