Queensland firefighters on deployment in Canada during July-August last year. Photo: Qld Fire Department
Queensland has sent 11 fire-trained rangers to Canada to support local firefighting efforts to contain that country’s bushfires.
The rangers joined other Australian firefighters supporting local crews to fight intense bushfires in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and other regions.
The rangers joined up with 10 firefighters from Western Australia at Brisbane Airport for a briefing on Saturday, July 12, before they flew out together the next day as a taskforce.
They are expected to be based on site for about 40 days.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Deputy Director General says the current conditions in Queensland allows them to send a team.
“Our team’s experience will not only help protect communities and the environment in Canada but also provide much-needed relief to local crews working tirelessly in incredibly challenging conditions.”
Fire Behaviour Analyst senior officer Bluey Harris says the deployment is a chance to share knowledge and develop international firefighting skills.
“Wildfire fighting is something Queensland rangers know well but this deployment will allow us to experience a different environment and learn from global approaches to managing large-scale incidents,” she says.
“I’m interested to experience completely different ecosystems and learn an entirely different approach to fire management.”
It is the first time Queensland has deployed female firefighters interstate or internationally with four in the team, the Qld Government says.
Canadian authorities are fighting around 500 active fires, with many classified as “out of control”. The team is expected to return to Australia on August 17.
- Two Forestry Corporation firefighters from Tumut and Deniliquin in southern NSW headed to Canada for a four-week deployment.
Linda Cotterill of Tumut will serve as Divisional Supervisor in Alberta and Peter O’Toole of Deniliquin will serve as an Incident Management Team Safety Officer in Manitoba.
It is the third Forestry deployment to Canada this winter; eight staff from Bathurst, Bombala, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Wauchope and Eden sent last month are finishing up their duties.
