When a massive hay fire threatened a local business in Katherine, Northern Territory, RAAF Base Tindal’s 17 Squadron Fire Section raced off base to assist local crews – bringing military firefighting power to a civilian emergency.

Due to the strong relationship 17 Squadron has formed with the local community, NT Fire and Rescue Service knew to reach out to the airbase operations squadron for support when lives or property were in imminent danger.

While the formal application for Defence Assistance to the Civil Community was being approved, 17 Squadron fire crews were preparing themselves for the off-base response.  

With no military flying scheduled that day, the section was able to dispatch two Airfield Panther fire trucks and two rural fire trucks – crewed by 17 aviators – within 15 minutes of receiving the call for assistance.

On arrival, 17 Squadron fire crews reported to NT Fire and Rescue Command who tasked the Air Force crews with protecting two large gas bullets and conducting direct attack operations on the mill and feed storage sheds at National Feed Co.

Corporal Laurence Jamieson, one of the 17 Squadron fire controllers on scene, described the urgency of the situation.

“When we arrived, all the hay outside the structure was ablaze and spreading inside where equipment was stored,” Corporal Jamieson said.

“The LPG gas bullets were being heated by the fire and needed immediate cooling to prevent a possible explosion.

“The Panther fire trucks utilised their roof-mounted water turrets to protect the gas bullets, break up the hay fire and halt the fire spread, while the rural trucks relayed water to keep suppression efforts going.”

'This incident reinforced the strong partnership between Defence, local emergency services and the Katherine community.'

By combining aviation firefighting skills with broader emergency response techniques, the crews were able to contain the fire without injury.

NT Fire and Rescue Senior Station Officer Daniel Kenna said the Air Force crews integrated seamlessly and, thanks to their rapid response, they were able to save structures and associated machinery critical to stock feed production.

“Without RAAF support, I’m uncertain whether we could have held the fire where we did – particularly the protection provided by one of the Panthers to the two large gas bullets under direct threat from fire impingement,” Mr Kenna said.

Due to the region’s remote location and limited resources, RAAF Base Tindal’s Fire Section regularly supports NT Fire and Rescue in Katherine.

But Corporal Jamieson advised it was still rare for RAAF assets to respond to civilian fires.

“Saving a local property and assets was deeply rewarding and gave us a real sense of accomplishment,” he said.

“This incident reinforced the strong partnership between Defence, local emergency services and the Katherine community.”