Aerial response team deploys to Sumatra to commence firefighting operations

An aerial response firefighting team departed Australia on Tuesday 13th October to assist Indonesia in its efforts to combat forest fires in South Sumatra.

Two aircraft, a L100 Lockheed C130 Water Tanker ("Thor") supported by a Turbo Commander 690B lead plane, have now arrived in Sumatra and are scheduled to commence operations today.

An advance assessment team from Australia arrived in Palembang, Sumatra on Sunday 11 October and is coordinating arrangements on the ground with Indonesian authorities.

The aerial response team will be based out of Palembang.

I reiterate my gratitude to the NSW Rural Fire Service for its rapid response to Indonesia's request for assistance and acknowledge the contribution of Victorian Government personnel to this operation.