Choppers stood down as fire season ends

Water-bombing helicopters above the Toodyay bushfires in December. Picture: Lee Griffith

The State Government has disbanded its firefighting helicopter fleet, signalling the end of one of the State's most intense bushfire seasons.

Revealing the move in a statement today, Emergency Services Minister Rob Johnson said the State's two flagship firefighting helicopters, the Type 1 model, had been stood down while the smaller helitacs would be sent to Queensland in August.

Of the two Type 1 helicopters, one will be sent to Canberra while the other will be stored in Perth.

The aircraft had cost the state about $6.5 million to acquire and maintain during the recent bushfire season and were involved in efforts to combat a number of major blazes.

These included the disastrous Toodyay bushfires in December which destroyed 38 houses, January's conflagration in Albany and a major fire near Salmon Gums.

According to Mr Johnson, the helicopters were an integral part of modern firefighting efforts and had saved lives and property in WA this summer.

"They have been a massive benefit to WA communities as they allow for a more rapid response to incidents which enable firefighters on the ground to contain fires earlier," he said.

"Alongside our hard-working career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and volunteer Bush Fire Service crews, these helicopters provided additional support in the protection of life, property and the environment."