The fleet includes an HT349 Airbus AS332L1 Super Puma based at Mangalore, which is equipped with a long-line bucket with a 4000-litre capacity for fire bombing.
The aircraft can carry up to 19 passengers and is used for transporting firefighters to remote-area fires.
Other planes and helicopters are at Benalla, Shepparton, Mansfield, Albury and the Ovens region.
As well as firebombing, other types of aircraft carry crews, conduct rappel operations or can be used for air attack supervision, aerial ignition and reconnaissance.
The aircraft will be used by Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria to respond to fires and other emergencies.
FFMVic deputy chief fire officer Aaron Kennedy said aircraft played a critical role when responding to fires.
“Dispatching the aircraft with ground crews, fire trucks and bulldozers increases our ability to rapidly contain or limit the size and spread of fires,” he said.
Aircraft have already played a key role during the recent flood response with more than 1800 aircraft movements since October 1, transporting resources and surveying affected areas.
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