Tasmania is sending 10 more firefighters to Canada to assist with the country’s intensifying wildfire efforts as almost 1,000 blazes burn.
The experienced and skilled Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) personnel will join two PWS firefighters already on the ground.
PWS State Fire Manager Katy Edwards said the organisation is proud to be able to assist the firefighters overseas through the National Resource Sharing Centre program.
“Our thoughts are with our PWS firefighters and all crews currently on the ground battling fires in Canada and all those affected by the fires,” she said.
“Thank you for your service so far and continued efforts to help keep the community safe.”
With over 970 active bushfires and more than 600 currently out of control in Canada, Edwards anticipates further assistance will likely be required in the coming weeks.
“We will continue to lend a hand when possible,” she said.
Minister for Parks and Environment Nick Duigan wished the total fire crew of 12 all the best and a safe return home.
“We farewell and thank PWS firefighters Mark O’Brien, Larissa Giddings, Keegan Pope, Jerard Flakemore and Stuart Primrose who have departed from Hobart Airport this morning,” he said.
“[We also thank] Jason Moore, Robin Meyers, Aidan Munro, Ben Hill and Phil Gillingham who have now departed from Launceston Airport to Alberta in Canada.”
“These Tasmanian firefighters join a contingent of more than 200 personnel from Australia and New Zealand to support their Canadian counterparts.”
Australian fire services have supported Canada and the United States numerous times since 2000.
