Firefighters from Australia and New Zealand spent the last month fighting wildfires burning in Oregon and Washington. About 60 firefighters from the two countries filled much needed, specialized high-level positions on crews at the height of fire season.
- This is the 8th time firefighters from Australia and New Zealand have been deployed in the U.S. since 2000.
- The crews split up across Oregon and Washington to work specialized roles like Safety Officers, Task Force Leaders, Helicopter Base Managers and Division Supervisors.
( Below is the transcript from the broadcast story)
Boots are getting cleaned and gear is being returned at NIFC.
“First time being deployed to a fire here, which has been very good. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for nearly 20 years,” says Cameron Wade, a Safety Officer and Australian firefighter.
He is part of the Australian and New Zealand Wildfire response crew leaving Boise after a month in the U.S.
Wade spent his time as a safety officer focused on two wildfires in Oregon, where the terrain is noticeably different than back home.