Airborne firefighters' first mission shows new service crucialSUPPLIED Members of the Hanmner Springs Volunteer Fire Brigade during a training session with Amuri Helicopters. SUPPLIED A helicopter carrying four Hanmer Springs firefighters took 35 minutes to reach a crash on State Highway 65, north of Springs Junction. The Hanmer Springs Volunteer Fire Brigade was notified about 11am. It was the brigade's first airborne response after FENZ struck a deal with two Hanmer Springs helicopter companies in December to provide aircraft in the event of a crash. Donaldson said neither were trapped, however the airborne firefighters came prepared with lightweight cutting equipment and a basic first aid kit.

Source: Stuff February 25, 2018 01:52 UTC