Victorian emergency management personnel will today start their journey to Canada to assist with the response to the wildfires burning in British Columbia.
There are currently 117 active wildfires in British Columbia, with conditions expected to lead to an increase in fire activity.
Twelve personnel from Forest Fire Management Victoria, Country Fire Authority, Fire Rescue Victoria and Parks Victoria will deliver specialist support across incident management and air operations.
The personnel are from across Victoria including Metropolitan Melbourne, Gippsland, the South West and Loddon Mallee.
Victoria also deployed 29 personnel to the United States on 23 July, bringing the total number currently deployed to assist international firefighting efforts to 41 personnel.
A third contingent of specialist crews from Victoria is also planned to be deployed to the US next week.
Victoria and Canada have a long history of shared assistance when it comes to fighting fires. More than 70 Canadians came to Victoria in January to assist with bushfires across the state.
Quotes attributable to Acting Emergency Management Commissioner Therese Fitzgerald APM
“Thank you to our dedicated and specialised Victorian firefighting personnel for their sacrifice in supporting the Canadian wildfire response. We are exceptionally proud of our crews who continue to step up and deliver support where it is most needed."
“I also acknowledge those who work behind the scenes to support these deployments, including the friends, families and employers behind each person.”
Quotes attributable to FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman AFSM
"Victoria’s personnel are already making a valuable contribution on the ground and in incident management teams, supervising firefighting operations, supporting aviation resources, strengthening control lines and helping coordinate the safe and effective response to large wildfires in the US."
"We're pleased to send additional personnel to support wildfire operations in North America.”
Quotes attributable to CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan AFSM
We've been watching the situation in Canada with sympathy for what communities there are going through, and we're glad to assist in whatever way we can."
We know that same support would be here for us if the situation was reversed, and that's what this international partnership is built on. Thank you to all the Victorians embarking on this deployment. Stay safe.
Quotes attributable to Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman AFSM
“I am incredibly proud of Fire Rescue Victoria's highly skilled personnel who are deploying to British Columbia to assist with the wildfire response."
“The service and sacrifice of these professionals demonstrates our organisation's commitment to protecting life and property extends far beyond Victoria's borders."
Quotes attributable to Parks Victoria Chief Operations Officer Adam Saunders
“Parks Victoria is proud to support the international response to wildfires in Canada and the United States."
“Our experienced personnel will bring valuable bushfire response expertise to support communities and emergency services overseas.”
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