Stanthorpe man Hugh Strong returns home after 40 days fighting Canadian wildfire

A brave southwest Queensland man who fought Canadian wildfires for more than a month had a particular craving when he returned to Australian soil.

The return to Australian soil after spending almost 40 days fighting Canadian wildfire was emotional for a Stanthorpe volunteer firefighter.

Hugh Strong had just celebrated his one year wedding anniversary when he was deployed to a tiny mining town in northwestern Alberta.

Wanting to return the favour to the many Canadian firefighters who travelled to Australia in 2019, Mr Strong courageously applied to join a Queensland Fire Department international contingent.

His first officer James Massey OAM told Stanthorpe Border Post in August the crew at Sugarloaf Rural Fire Brigade were incredibly proud of Mr Strong.

Having spent time on the front line during the 2019 black summer bushfires, Mr Strong is no stranger to raging fires.

Stanthorpe rural volunteer firefighter Hugh Strong (right) spent 30 days in dense bushland helping to fight raging Canadian wildfires. Photo: Hugh Strong

Mr Strong said the eye-opening experience reminded him why it’s important to never rush into a situation.

“Taking an extra couple of seconds to stop and look to find the best way forward is incredibly important,” he said.

While Canadian wildfires aren’t quite as fast moving as Australian bushfires, they are notorious for burning as deep as four feet below ground without anyone knowing, Mr Strong said.

As a crew leader Mr Strong wasn’t only responsible for the physical welfare of his team, but managing their mental fatigue of people thousands of kilometres away from home.

“You had to keep an eye out for signals if everything is okay out here and also if things were going on at home,” he said.

Mr Strong said the significant time difference meant it was often difficult to keep in regular contact with his loved ones.

Stanthorpe's Hugh Strong is among a number of brave Australian's volunteering to help fight Canada's raging wildfires. Photo: Hugh Strong

“It was tough on my wife but we made the effort to connect,” he said.

Recognised for efforts within his own crew and in helping others, Mr Strong received multiple ‘challenge coins’ from senior members of Canadian fire crews, as well as one of his own.

“It was a truly exceptional experience to work as a team leader and having your peers recognising you and your value,” he said.

“Because you don’t always know that you’re doing a good job until someone tells you.”

Mr Strong said there was only one other thing he was excited for apart from seeing his family upon his return.

“After 40 days we just wanted to get home and have a good Australian coffee, the coffee in Canada is incredibly weak (in comparison),” he said.

Mr Strong encouraged other Southern Downs volunteer firefighters to consider putting their hands up to join in on the life-changing, rewarding experience.