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EMERGENCY services volunteers trained for improved air control of fires on Friday.
Two helicopters will be housed at the Bendigo Airport this fire season with a fixed-wing aircraft based in Stawell to assist.
Firebird 305 and Helitak 335 will monitor the air above Bendigo throughout the summer months.
Country Fire Authority, Department of Environment and Primary Industries and Parks Victoria workers trained at the Bendigo Airport. Volunteers and paid workers learnt refilling, water bombing, mapping and safety.
CFA Aircraft officer Ian Johnson said the aircraft has created a more efficient system.
"We found the trucks on the ground weren't rushing to the head of the fire but instead they were leading the Helitaks to the head of the fire, and the ground crew were working on the flanks," he said.
He said the training day ensured each personnel was well equipped for the season.
"It is a training day for the air observers and the air attack supervisors," he said.
"Training days like today are very important to us."
He said the air attack operators existed to support the people on the ground.
"The air attack keeps in contact with the ground forces to make sure we are dropping exactly where it is wanted," he said.
"It also keeps an eye out for better water sources and just makes sure things are running smoothly."
DEPI program manager of preparedness and response Carsten Nannestad said the fire season had shaped up to be busier than average.
"We have put aircraft on earlier than we usually would," he said.
"They have been on for over a week and have been quite busy. Across the state we have put on more firefighters and aircraft than we had in an average season."
CFA volunteer Peter Morrison said the day was a chance to get familiar with new systems.
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