Ten ACT firefighters have flown off to the United States to join the fight against the wildfires devastating the nation.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman said there were dozens of devastating wildfires that had burned hundreds of thousands of hectares across at least 14 States.
“The Australian taskforce includes three from the ACT Rural Fire Service, three from ACT Fire and Rescue and four ACT Parks and Conservation firefighters,” Mr Gentleman said.
“ACT firefighters are among the best-trained and most highly skilled in the world, which is why the US has specifically requested their assistance.”
He said the deployment of volunteers and staff was in response to a formal request for assistance from US fire authorities.
“Not only will this deployment give US firefighters some respite; it will also provide our own personnel with invaluable experience by working in foreign conditions side-by-side with international counterparts to build relationships,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Sadly, our community knows all too well the destruction that bushfires can cause, and we are more than willing to share our firefighting experience and expertise wherever necessary.”
The Minister said the ACT firefighters initially travelled to Boise, Idaho, for induction training on US fire policies, procedures, safety, driving and wildlife.
Mr Gentleman said after this they were assigned to one of the many fires currently burning across the US to work two 14-day shifts with recovery days in between before returning to Australia.
They are expected to be deployed for up to 42 days.
