The start of the bushfire season in southern Australia has been marked by the deaths of two firefighters and the destruction of an estimated 40 homes, according to emergency authorities monitoring multiple active fire zones across the region.
The fatalities occurred as crews responded to rapidly moving fires intensified by hot, dry, and windy conditions. State emergency agencies reported that the loss of homes and the scale of early-season activity reflect a heightened threat level heading into the summer months.
In response, Australia’s national aerial firefighting fleet is now fully engaged. The National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) confirmed that 161 aircraft are in service across the country this summer, including large air tankers, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft positioned to support state and territory fire agencies.
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Officials say the deployment of the national aerial fleet is critical during early fire outbreaks, especially when ground access is limited or when fires escalate quickly near populated areas.
Fire authorities are urging communities in at-risk zones to review local warnings, prepare properties, and follow evacuation guidance as conditions evolve.
