Saudi visitors talk wildfire and aircraft

Wildfires, forests, planes and deserts were the topics for the discussion when a delegation of Saudi Arabia visited the CRC offices in June.

The six-member delegation from the Saudi Wildlife Authority and the Saudi Civil Defence Authority was keen to hear about the research program of the CRC, and the work of the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) and the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC).

CEO Dr Richard Thornton presented an overview of CRC research with particular emphasis on hazard reduction burning and the use of aircraft in fire suppression. Andrew Mathews of NAFC spoke about the national aircraft fleet used for fight fighting in Australia. CEO of AFAC, Stuart Ellis, explained how Australian fire and emergency service agencies work together on joint policies and guidelines across the sector.

The Saudi delegation also visited the Victorian Country Fire Authority and the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Saudi visitors to the CRC June 2015 - Andrew Mathews (NAFC)