NAFC Webinar: Remote water points for aerial firefighting
2 December 2026: Victoria is establishing a network of permanent and mobile remote water points across eastern Victoria, supported by spatial modelling to identify locations that maximise reductions in helicopter turnaround time and improve the probability of first attack success.
Date: Wednesday, 2 December 2026
Time: 2.30pm-3.30pm AEDT
NAFC Webinar:
Remote water points for aerial firefighting
Rapid access to water is critical to effective helicopter first attack on remote bushfires, yet long travel distances to suitable water sources can significantly reduce suppression efficiency.
Victoria is establishing a network of permanent and mobile remote water points across eastern Victoria, supported by spatial modelling to identify locations that maximise reductions in helicopter turnaround time and improve the probability of first attack success.
This webinar will share operational and modelling insights, including site and tank design, helicopter dip-tank testing, and the measured benefits of the emerging network.
Guest speakers:
Chris Hardman AFSM
Chief Fire Officer, Forest Fire Management Victoria - Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Victoria
Chris Hardman is Chief Fire Officer for Forest Fire Management Victoria and Lead Executive Director of DEECA’s Forest and Fire Operations Division. He has more than 40 years’ experience in conservation, land and fire management and has held senior operational roles during many of Victoria’s major emergencies. Chris oversees statewide fire management operations and has supported initiatives to strengthen aerial firefighting capability, including improved access to remote water supplies.
Tim Gazzard
Upper Murray District Operations Manager, Forest Fire Management Victoria - Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Victoria
Tim Gazzard is District Operations Manager for DEECA’s Upper Murray District and has more than 25 years’ experience in fire and natural resource management. His background includes strategic bushfire planning, research and leadership of Incident Management Teams in Australia and Canada. Since moving to north-east Victoria in 2025, Tim has led the development of a network of remote water points to improve helicopter firefighting capability across eastern Victoria.