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Although not the answer to the East Kimberley's over-burning problems, training sessions last week should help with emergencies.
Staff from the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), Heliwork, the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley and FESA and other interested people took part in lessons about water bombing.
Over three days, they learnt the correct procedures for using helicopters and fixed-wing planes to help fire-fighting efforts.
DEC senior operations officer Dave Grosse stressed that it should not be seen as something that would be used to help put out all fires around Kununurra.
Participants learnt about safety issues, risk assessment, resources and availability of staff, effectiveness and efficiency, fire behaviour, how to judge assets at risk, probability of success, appropriate communications, authorisation and liability.
Pilots were also assessed.
Crop-duster Lance Conley impressed with the length of his water bombing run and the amount of water he spread.
He said his company would soon have a larger second Agplane, which would be available to assist in fire suppression during the dry season.
"It has a 2000-litre drop capability and is fully equipped for fire-fighting," he said.
"Some of us have already had a small amount of first-hand experience with aerial water bombing in the area and have seen just how effective it can be.
"I applaud DEC for running the recent course and approving Heliwork and myself for aerial suppression operations.
"It appears the most limiting factor now will be funding and who will pay for it, but I think, particularly in light of the recent EPA report on fire damage to the Kimberley, something needs to be sorted out fairly quickly."
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