Aerial resources will play a big role in Australia's fire response this summer. Photo: Darren England/AAP PHOTOS

Australia's firefighting aircraft fleet is prepared to respond to bushfires and hazardous weather as temperatures skyrocket ahead of summer.

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Residents of Victoria and South Australia copped cyclone-strength winds, while temperatures hit 39C in parts of western NSW in severe weather conditions on Wednesday.

Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain announced the 160-strong fleet from the National Aerial Firefighting Centre was ready to respond as the higher-risk weather

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