Rural Firefighters Deploy 'Nancy Bird' to Combat Bannaby Bushfire Near Goulburn

Rural firefighters deployed almost a dozen aircraft on January 22 to contain a bushfire that had been burning out of control near Goulburn for four days.

Fire brigades based in Southern Highlands reported on Sunday the Bannaby fire was burning about five kilometres north of Taralga and was not contained. Changes in wind conditions also resulted in the thick plumes of black smoke being pushed eastwards.

Aircraft such as the Very Large Air Tanker, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10 nicknamed “Nancy Bird,” were being used to protect property. It can be seen in this video taken on January 22 dropping fire retardant. On Tuesday, a 9 News journalist reported that at least 11 aircraft were being deployed along the containment lines while firefighters conducted back burning operations overnight.

Goulburn Post reported that as of Tuesday morning, the fire was still out of control and RFS community liaison officers had scheduled a tour through Canyonleigh to prepare residents. Credit: Gunning – Fish River Rural Fire Brigade via Storyful