A multimillion dollar investment in high-tech fire mapping capabilities will help Western Australian firefighters and communities better manage bushfires throughout the State.
The State Budget includes $8.3 million for a new high-performance aircraft and multispectral line scanner that is capable of mapping a fire in just minutes.
The line scanner can also determine the range of temperatures within a fire and help firefighters map where the fire is travelling and how best to deploy resources.
The aircraft is capable of mapping multiple fires across the State in one journey, and providing near real-time data back to incident controllers and other support staff that will make a significant difference to fire management and community safety.
The line scanner technology can also be used to map large hazards such as floods and offshore oil spills.
The new line scanner and aircraft is expected to be in use for the coming bushfire season.
Source: WA Government