NSW firefighters to assist in Western Australia

Summary

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott today farewelled sixty firefighters and support officers who will assist with Western Australia's fire emergency.

Fifty NSW RFS and ten National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS) firefighters, supported by five NSW Ambulance officers, will provide relief to local Western Australian fire authorities. NSW crews will arrive in Western Australia tonight for a briefing and will be deployed to the fire ground tomorrow, Sunday 10 January 2016.

Minister Elliott thanked the firefighters and the NSW Ambulance officers travelling to Western Australia to assist the local firefighters and community already battling the out of control fires.

"We understand first-hand the devastating affect bushfires have on local communities which is why the NSW Government is happy to provide any assistance necessary," Minister Elliott said.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said it was a privilege to provide valuable assistance and relief to local Western Australian crews.

"As Western Australian firefighters have helped in the NSW RFS in the past, NSW is honoured to be able to provide assistance to our colleagues during these devastating fires," Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.

"Our thoughts are with those so terribly affected by the fires, and we thank those firefighters who have answered the call to assist."