Fire or life threatening emergencies: 000
Emergency Information: 13 3337
SES Emergency Assistance: 132 500
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services manage contracted aircraft and other aviation capabilities to support emergency management for emergencies and natural disasters across the State and boost firefighting capability throughout the bushfire season.
DFES also manages the RAC Rescue Helicopter network, the State’s only dedicated emergency rescue helicopter. The service responds to a broad range of incidents and rescues, including Emergency Position Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and hospital transfers for critically ill patients.
DFES operates a sophisticated aerial fleet to respond to fire and emergency incidents, strengthen capabilities, and protect lives, property, and the environment throughout Western Australia’s bushfire season. The DFES fleet plays a pivotal role in supporting ground firefighters to preserve and protect life, property and the environment in WA.
DFES deploys Helitaks when public safety and or assets are considered at imminent risk, when fire-fighting crews are in immediate danger, during extreme fire behaviour, or when high fuel loads are likely to accelerate the spread of a bushfire.
Since their introduction in 2002, the Helitaks have proved to be a versatile, powerful, and efficient aerial resource for firefighters in their efforts to save lives and homes. DFES’ utility helicopter and helitaks may also support operations and transport personnel, food, water and fuel to isolated communities during significant natural disasters, such as flooding.
During a significant bushfire, DFES will call on additional fixed-wing bombers from DBCA.
These aircraft assist DFES in containing large bushfires and support the ground and helicopter fleet. They are capable of carrying and dropping up to 3200 litres of water.
Operating around the clock, every day of the year, RAC Rescue provides vital search and rescue and aeromedical services for the public.
The mission of the service is to save lives and support all-hazards emergency operations. This is achieved by rapidly deploying and inserting the rescue capabilities of the aircraft and its personnel directly to an incident and, if required, transporting the rescued patient to the appropriate medical facility. The helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and provide a vital emergency link for people in Western Australia.
RAC Rescue takes part in a limited number of community events and training exercises, all of which benefit its internal operations in some way.
To request RAC Rescue for an event or exercise or schedule a rescue helicopter base visit, please download and complete the Event Request Form.
For specifications on suitable landing sites and safety guidelines, please read Safety Procedures at Community Events.
