Environment

US fire experts coming to Australia

by Maireid Sullivan | February 9, 2009 at 06:45 pm

261 views | 22 Recommendations | 4 comments

US fire experts set to join Vic crews –

By North America correspondent Michael Rowland

Posted 4 hours 18 minutes ago
Updated 4 hours 19 minutes ago

The United States is preparing to send firefighting experts to help the effort in Victoria, where at least 173 people have been killed in blazes that continue to burn across the state.

Officials at the US Interagency Fire Centre are assembling a team of specialists including operation chiefs and helicopter supervisors to join the firefighting effort.

They are awaiting a formal request from the Australian Government, which is expected to be made within the next 12 hours.

Once that happens, the US team could be on the ground in Victoria within two days.

Ken Fredericks, a spokesman for the Interagency Fire Centre, says American and Australian firefighters have a close working relationship.

"We're just thrilled to have the opportunity to help because Australia has been extremely helpful to the United States when we are having tough fire situations," he said.

There are no plans at this stage to send firefighters from the US but officials will continue to monitor the situation.

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Sanjay Jha

at 20:16 on February 9th, 2009

I think it is high time that Australia start roping help of experts from other country. American experts surely will bring skills to deal with this devastating problem.

Maireid Sullivan

at 22:34 on February 9th, 2009

The Australian army is being sent in with "logistics and support" - a lot of highly disciplined people are need now.

I can't imagine how anyone can have more experience with bushfires than Australians, since that is the way the forest regenerates here. ...so we have had a lot of practice, but with the impact of climate change adding to the situation, it is going to be a continuing horror.

Have you read the story about the Indian Ocean currents causing drought in Southern Australia?

Amazing! and depressing.

USA firefighter (not verified)

at 20:02 on February 11th, 2009

Australian Firefighters are extremely good at what they do, Just as good as the Americans on Wildland fire, I am a American Wild land Firefighter and have seen the Aussies come to help the US on numerous occasions.. The US is also sending a Hotshot crew which are pretty much the Navy Seals of US wildland fire a very elite crew, They will be a big help to the Aussies!!

Godspeed and best of luck to Australia on the fires..

jjj (not verified)

at 03:46 on February 14th, 2009

I think it's wonderful that America has offered their help, they are our friends and allies, and in times of need we should accept and appreciate the offer of help,

Thankyou American fire fighters