- Emergency services specialists deployed to assist with bushfire response in Victoria
- Firefighters and Incident Management Team to support impacted communities
- WA contingent to provide valuable resources to help stretched local crews
Thirty-eight Western Australian emergency services specialists have answered a national call for assistance to help protect communities devastated by bushfires in Victoria.
The contingent, comprising of 20 personnel from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and 18 from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), left this morning.
It includes a taskforce leader and 20 arduous firefighters who will be on the frontline in Victoria's Barwon South West region, helping to protect lives and properties under threat from out-of-control bushfires.
A 17-member Incident Management Team (IMT) will use their vast experience in incident control, aviation, intelligence, public information, fire behaviour analysis, and logistics to support local teams in the Gippsland region.
The WA contingent will undertake a seven-day deployment, returning next Saturday.
The deployment is the result of a request from Emergency Management Victoria (EMV), which was coordinated by the National Resource Sharing Centre (NRSC).
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan declared a state of disaster yesterday, after 60 bushfires ignited on Friday.
More than 130 structures have been destroyed across the state.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia:
"Our thoughts are with all Victorians who have been impacted by these catastrophic bushfires.
"The Cook Government stands ready to provide resources, and is proud that WA emergency services heroes put up their hands at such short notice to help protect these communities in their time of need.
"They will play key roles in the emergency response, and I wish them all a safe deployment."
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
"Resource sharing is critical when natural disasters strike, and we can cycle through our specialist teams and provide support for as long as it is required.
"WA emergency services specialists from DFES and DBCA are extraordinary people who are selfless and driven to protect communities affected by bushfires of this magnitude.
"They are renowned Australia-wide for their expertise and will provide valuable additional resources to help Victorian crews during these challenging times."
