FIRE authorities called on Ballarat’s biggest bird to help battle a large fire in the Grampians National Park yesterday.Delilah, one of two Erickson Aircrane’s contracted by Victoria this fire season, arrived last month and is based at Ballarat Airport for the 2011/2012 summer fire season. One hundred and forty firefighters from the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria fought the fire yesterday, using fixed-winged waterbombers and helicopters, four bulldozers and 17 mini-4WD tankers. Country Fire Authority crews were also on the scene. A CFA spokeswoman said 12 aircraft, including Delilah, were called and were “on standby” to fight the 190 hectare fire, which did not threaten any towns or homes before it was controlled last night.Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said Erickson Aircranes were powerful firefighting aircraft, capable of carrying up to 9000 litres of water or foam, and able to reach a cruising speed of 200km/h.Their tanks can be filled from a farm dam, reservoir or the ocean in under a minute and water dropped very accurately to help protect people, houses and assets during a fire.Speaking when Delilah arrived in town, Mr Lapsley said Ballarat was in a good position to service surrounding areas. “By having these aircraft pre-positioned in strategic locations, Victoria’s fire agencies have more flexibility and a head start to get them to where they are needed across the state.”Grampians National Park’s “key visitor sites”, such as McKenzie Falls and Halls Gap, were not affected by the fire yesterday.The blaze had to be fought using the aircraft and lighter trucks called “slip-ons” because of the boggy terrain. For information on how to prepare for the fire season, download a Fire Ready Kit at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.Follow @JordanHOliver