- Forty-six WA emergency services specialists headed to the United States
- Crews to help fight more than 80 wildfires burning across the country
- Third deployment of WA personnel to North America this year
A taskforce of 46 Western Australian firefighters and incident management specialists has been sent to the United States to help battle ferocious wildfires burning across the country.
The team comprises 21 personnel from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and 25 from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) Parks and Wildlife Service who will join a 187-strong national contingent deploying from across Australia and New Zealand.
Representing all corners of the State from Kununurra to Albany, the WA taskforce, which includes 15 DFES volunteers, left Perth for Sydney today where crews will be briefed before flying to Idaho.
During their 35-day deployment, they will undertake a range of critical frontline firefighting and incident management roles based across the US, including leading strike teams and analysing fire behaviour, before returning home in early September.
This is the third deployment of WA emergency services specialists to North America this year, with seven personnel deployed to the US in July and two sent to Canada last week.
There are more than 80 big fires burning across the US with more than 29,000 firefighters and support personnel working tirelessly on the ground. The deployment was coordinated by AFAC's National Resource Sharing Centre.
Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby:
"No matter when they are called upon, our brave Western Australian firefighters and incident management specialists step up at a moment's notice to help communities when they need it most.
"This latest deployment reflects a long-standing commitment from the Cook Labor Government to support North America during its challenging wildfire season with more than 200 personnel deployed since 2021.
"All Western Australians should be proud of these selfless men and women who will make a huge difference relieving exhausted crews on the frontline and we will continue to provide extra resources for as long as they are needed.
"I wish our personnel all the best for their deployment and look forward to welcoming them home safely."
Comments attributed to the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"The Cook Labor Government is incredibly proud to see Western Australian firefighters once again stepping forward to support communities in need overseas.
"Their expertise, courage and willingness to help reflects the very best of WA, and we thank them for answering the call to help in the United States.
"Their commitment to serving others, no matter how far from home, is a real testament to their professionalism and generosity."
Comments attributed to Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
"Fifteen of the personnel deployed as part of this contingent are DFES volunteers who are putting their own careers on hold to assist communities in crisis, and I thank them for their outstanding bravery and dedication.
"Crews in the US are facing extreme heat, strong winds and erratic fire behaviour and so far this year more than two million hectares have been burnt across the country.
"Our US counterparts have requested experienced personnel capable of operating firefighting appliances in tough terrain, as well as skilled leaders and experts in fire behaviour, and that's exactly what we are delivering with this highly capable WA cohort."
