Here comes the cavalry: US and Canadian firefighters arrive in Melbourne
Canadian and American firefighters have touched down in Melbourne ahead of travelling across the state to help battle Victoria’s bushfire crisis.
VIC News
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Hundreds of international firefighters and Defence Force personnel arrived in Melbourne
to assist Australians battling bushfires in Victoria.
Sixty American and Canadian firefighting experts touched down this morning, joining 110
personnel already here.
And this afternoon, 54 engineers from the Fijian military were due to arrive to begin their induction, while engineers from Papua New Guinea joined the Australian Defence Force in East Gippsland.
Emergency Management Victoria Deputy Commissioner Chris Stephenson said international help is “critical” to Victoria’s firefight.
“The support that the Canadians and Americans bring really provides Victorians with some relief,”Mr Stephenson said.
“It allows our people to rest. They have been going very hard at these fires for a long time.”
Saturday’s North American group consisted of specialised incident management personnel, who will command firefighters out on the ground.
Incident management teams will also help coordinate how aid is delivered to fire affected
communities. The contingent will initially be deployed to fires in the state’s north east and East Gippsland.
US Forest Service Assistant Director for Operations Beth Lund said that while fighting wildfires is similar around the world, arrivals would need some help navigating the unique elements of an Australian bushfire.
“The Australians provide a very thorough briefing that gives firefighters the tidbits they might not know,” she said.
She said American firefighters had been eager to come and help.
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Mr Stephenson said Victoria was very appreciative of support from around the world, and praised firefighter’s efforts.
“They seamlessly integrate with our teams, they’re great people, and they’re here for the right
reasons,” he said.
“They’re only here to help our communities get back on their feet and get through what is a very tough time for Victorians.”
A further 80 North American firefighters will arrive next week.
Each group will stay for about a month.