Fire and Emergency deployment extends to United States

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has extended its international support fighting wildfires to the United States.  

Six Fire and Emergency specialists will depart the country this evening to help fight wildfires in the United States’ Pacific Northwest region (Oregon, Washington and northern Idaho). 

The region is experiencing significant wildfire conditions, exacerbated by a severe heat wave and concurrent wildfires in nearby British Columbia. 

As at Wednesday afternoon there are more than 145 active wildfires in the United States.   

Three of the team will operate as Taskforce Leaders, one as a Division Group Supervisor and one as Helicopter Manager. 

Our people will be leading groups of firefighters or helicopter operators to fight the wildfires burning across the region. The sixth person will work as an International Liaison Officer.  

The deployed contingent’s personnel are from Northland, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Mid-South Canterbury. 

They will be in the United States until early September.  

‘Like Canada, parts of the United States are experiencing a very difficult wildfire season, and we were happy to answer the call for help,’ National Commander Russell Wood says. 

‘Our people will help bolster the management capacity of these United States wildfire services, while also gaining valuable experience which they will bring back to New Zealand ahead of our own wildfire season this summer.’ 

Fire and Emergency currently has 28 personnel deployed in Canada to help fight their wildfires in British Columbia and Alberta. 

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou, huge gratitude to you all, and to your whānau.