Following two serious bushfires in the area in recent weeks the CFS decided it was timely to update local volunteers on the latest techniques and information relating to its air operations.

Southern Fleurieu Group Officer Greg Crawford said there had been nothing but praise for ground crews in the recent fire incidents, but it was always useful to receive training and demonstrations.

More than 70 people involved with southern Fleurieu brigades attended the Sunday morning session, in which three pilots showed off the attributes of a fixed wing Air Tractor 802, a Firebird 504 helicopter; and a Heltek 574 helicopter.

Pilot Richard Hastings demonstrated a foam drop from the Air Tractor, which can hold 3,200 litres of water, along the air strip so CFS volunteers could take a close look at the foam's composition.

In a fire situation the ground crew would advise the pilot if the foam mix was appropriate for the job at hand, or if it needed any adjustment.

Air Attack Supervisor Gary Macrae also outlined the use of GPS tablets to map a fire ridge. Greg Crawford said use of the aircraft in the recent fires had created a lot of local interest and volunteers had found the demonstration valuable.

"Water bombers don't put the fire out, but they make it much easier to do.

"Ground crews are needed to complete the job - one supports the other," he said.