Joint media release with Jihad Dib
Available footage of NSW RFS equipment departing today.
The NSW and Australian governments are responding to requests for assistance for international wildfire operations, with aviation capability, incident management specialists and specialist firefighting personnel from NSW assisting emergency responses in France, the United States and Canada.
Today, the NSW Rural Fire Service's (RFS) CH-47D Chinook helicopter and Bell 412 reconnaissance and support aircraft departed Sydney for France following a request from the French Government, marking the service's first operational deployment to Europe.
Transported in partnership with the Australian Defence Force, the aircraft are accompanied by 24 highly skilled aviation personnel, including pilots, engineers, maintenance and support specialists, who will help support wildfire suppression operations during one of France's most severe fire seasons in decades.
The deployment builds on Australia's ongoing support for international partners. NSW personnel from the RFS, National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW State Emergency Service, are already supporting wildfire operations in the United States through specialist incident management roles, while another contingent will deploy to Canada later this week.
A second NSW deployment to the United States is also scheduled for 11 August and will include an Incident Management Team, field supervision personnel and arduous firefighters.
The RFS Large Air Tanker, Marie Bashir, continues to support operations in the United States, where it has delivered more than 1.4 million litres of fire retardant across 32 fires in two states.
These international deployments have been carefully planned and will not affect Australia's preparedness for the upcoming bush fire season.
NSW retains significant aviation, incident management and frontline firefighting capability, while hazard reduction and preparedness work continues across the state.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:
"The Albanese Government is proud to support the French people as they respond to these devastating wildfires."
"Australia has some of the finest fire-fighting capability on the planet and we are only too happy to assist, just as France came to our aid during the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires."
"Thank you again to the emergency services personnel who are travelling to France. I wish you a safe deployment."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:
"NSW has earned an international reputation for bush fire management and we're proud to support communities overseas when they need assistance most."
"Emergency service management is built on cooperation and today's departure to France marks a proud milestone for the RFS and highlights the depth of capability we've built across our emergency services."
"This deployment reflects the expertise NSW can provide to international wildfire operations, from world-class aviation capability to incident management and specialist firefighting."
"We've carefully planned these deployments to ensure NSW remains well prepared for the season ahead while continuing to support countries facing devastating wildfire conditions."
Quotes attributable to the NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Trent Curtin:
"This is an historic deployment for the RFS, marking the first time we've been called upon to assist in Europe and the first time aerial firefighting aircraft with night-time waterbombing capability will operate in France."
"Firefighters understand that bush fires don't stop at borders. We've always been willing to help when we're able, just as others have supported us in the past. These deployments strengthen the relationships that are invaluable when communities are facing their toughest days."
"Communities across Europe, the US and Canada have endured an incredibly difficult fire season. We hope our assistance can make a positive contribution and go some way towards easing that burden."
