RAAF Base Richmond has been providing support to New South Wales Rural Fire Service efforts to combat fires across the state.
New South Wales Rural Fire Service has permanently based a large aerial tanker and spotter aircraft from RAAF Base Richmond.
These include the Boeing 737 'Marie Bashir', an RJ85, and a C130Q Hercules.
On November 16, a DC-10 Very Large Air Tanker arrived at RAAF Base Richmond from overseas. The aircraft is being leased by New South Wales Rural Fire Service and will be based out of Richmond.
From November 13-18, RAAF Base Richmond provided accommodation and catering support for between 150 and 300 firefighters from Victoria's Country Fire Authority.
The team also offered firefighting services space in workshop/maintenance hangars for up to 50 fire appliances and support vehicles, should they require it.
RAAF C-130J Hercules transports from RAAF Base Richmond's No. 37 Squadron were also used to carry firefighters from interstate: On November 9, South Australian firefighters were carried form Adelaide to Port Macquarie; on November 10, Tasmanian firefighters were carried from Hobart to Port Macquarie; and on November 12, Victorian firefighters were carried from Essendon and Mildura to Armidale.
