Three CFA firefighters are set to embark on a deployment to Canada to assist in the fighting of more than 121 out-of-control wildfires burning through British Columbia in country’s south west.
CFA members Tim McKern, Eain Mcrae and Wayne Rigg will join fellow Victorian crews from Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Parks Victoria.
The Victorian crew will be part of a 53-member Australian contingent of emergency management personnel from New South Wales, Western Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland.
CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington said the deployment continued a proud and important CFA tradition.
“CFA crews have extensive experience with large wildfires, having handled fires on similar terrain across Australia. We also have a history of travelling to other countries to assist in the control and extinguishing of major bushfires,” said Mr Warrington.
“This means our firefighters are ideally placed to provide additional surge capacity to our Canadian counterparts during this trying time.
“We are sending two Air Operations Branch Directors and a Fire Behaviour Analyst. I have no doubt these firefighters – as well as all other Australian personnel - will play a vital role in helping to get these wildfires under control.
“The skills of our CFA firefighters are internationally recognised and I know the firefighters and the communities they work with will be extremely grateful for their support and camaraderie.”
“We are proud of the relationship we have built with Canada, and I’m pleased we’re able to provide support.
“Australia has cross-border arrangements for sharing personnel, resources and aircraft and it is important that we continue to operate with no borders and support each other and our international colleagues where needed.
“I wish all Australian personnel a safe deployment and acknowledge the work done at every level to coordinate this deployment.
“I have no doubt that our firefighting personnel will represent Victoria and Australia proudly, and I commend their effort and attitude.”
Author: CFA Media