Elvis returns for fires

Elvis returns for fires: A THIRD firefighting skycrane will be in Australia this year as the country faces one of the worst bushfire seasons in recent times. The Federal Government will spend $2.5 million to bring the additional Elvis-type heavy helicopter to the states and territories, but it's not yet known where the firefighting aircraft will be based. Minister for Local Government Jim Lloyd said the third skycrane would be used where it was most needed.
"The funding will be used to bring a third heavy 'Elvis'-type helicopter to Australia from the USA for
the current fire season, with the expectation that this will be shared principally but not exclusively
between the south-eastern states," Mr Lloyd said. "It is yet to be determined where the third one will be based, but it will be moved around according to the highest need of fire risk throughout the season."
With the country facing a devastating drought period and predictions of a very long and tough bushfire season, Mr Lloyd said the additional skycrane would be invaluable. "The Erickson sky cranes, the 'Elvis' sky cranes are absolutely critical in the very serious fire emergencies," Mr Lloyd said.