A massive Erickson air crane will return to the Ballarat region on Thursday, ready to support firefighters on the ground after the CFA issued a severe fire danger warning.
The relocation of the monster firefighting helicopter comes as temperatures are tipped to soar into the high 30s, placing emergency crews on high alert.
Emergency Management commissioner Craig Lapsley confirmed on Wednesday the orange air crane would be moved from Melbourne to Lethbridge.
“Much of Victoria is facing elevated fire risk over the coming days, with central and western Victoria a particular focus,” Mr Lapsley said.
“There is a significant amount of very dry fuel in the landscape now, and we need to be ready to respond early to minimise the risk of fires spreading quickly.
“One of Victoria’s orange air cranes will be based at Lethbridge on Thursday and Friday to be able to respond to significant fires.”
Smaller and faster helicopters will also be based at Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh and Colac.
