From L to R: Dyson Taverner Region 6 Air Operations Brigade, Terry Schutz from Mannum CFS Brigade, Anthony Casey from Peterborough CFS Brigade, Shaun Irrgang from Jamestown CFS Brigade, Chief Officer Brett Loughlin AFSM.
The South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) and National Parks and Wildlife Services South Australia (NPWSSA) have deployed firefighters from across the state to Canada to assist the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) fight escalating wildfires across their country.
Five CFS volunteers and NPWSSA staff have joined more than 200 personnel from Australia and New Zealand and have been flown to Canada following a request for assistance.
Three CFS Divisional Commanders/Sector Commanders have been deployed including Anthony Casey from Peterborough CFS Brigade, Shaun Irrgang from Jamestown CFS Brigade and Terry Schutz from Mannum CFS Brigade. Divisional Commanders/Sector Commanders have expertise in coordinating and allocating resources, determining tactics, identify and mitigate risks, and communication.
The CFS and NPWSSA have also deployed one Heavy Plant and Machine Manager/Specialist from each agency to help coordinate the clearing of firebreaks with heavy machinery on the fire ground. CFS Region 6 Air Operations Brigade volunteer, Dyson Taverner, and NPWSSA staff member, Phil Sims, will travel to Canada this week.
Canada is experiencing significant fire activity with approximately 200 active fires across the country, which have already burned more than 1.9 million hectares.
Regional Services and Operations Director Scott Turner said providing CFS personnel is a testament to the professionalism of CFS volunteers.
“This is not the first time CFS has deployed volunteer firefighters to Canada and is a testament to our volunteers’ skills and abilities that we are able to be deploy them at such short notice, both locally and internationally,” Mr Turner said.
“Our highly skilled and well-trained volunteers are always ready to respond, whether that be to fires in our own backyard or overseas.”
“It is an honor for Australian personnel to deploy to Canada. Fires know no boundaries and our firefighters are pleased to respond across borders to help.”
The AFAC National Resource Sharing Centre (NRSC) coordinates resource requests from fire and emergency service agencies to assist in the management of large-scale incidents.
The deployment is proposed to be for approximately 35 days.
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