Airservices Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS) Melbourne crew were recently called upon to assist with the control of a major industrial fire in West Footscray, VIC, which started on 30 August 2018 and lasted about five days.

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) made a mutual aid request to ARFFS Melbourne for assistance to control the threat to public safety the fire and smoke plume presented to local communities. The crews that took part have received thanks and praise from both Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) and the MFB for their support.

ARFFS Melbourne Acting Operations Manager, Matt Crowley, is proud of his crews’ professionalism throughout this operation working together with the local fire and emergency agencies.

“At ARFFS we have some fairly specialised equipment that proved invaluable in this instance,” Matt Crowley said.

“Specifically, our Mk8 Ultra Large Fire Vehicles have the ability to project firefighting agent further than 80 meters, which was invaluable in helping to combat this fire.

“For our crews, being able to use their skills in helping to protect the local community has been a great opportunity,” he said.