Further firies deployed to Queensland

Summary

A multi-agency contingency of more than 200 firefighters and specialists from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), Fire & Rescue NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service and ACT RFS have now been deployed to help battle major bush fires in Queensland.

Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said the State’s commitment to the Queensland bush fire response, with assistance from the ACT, had passed 300 personnel since the first contingent left on Monday.

Over the past few days, all four of the Large Air Tankers (LATs) based in NSW have also assisted the firefighting effort in Queensland, along with 25 vehicles.

“Today, a further deployment of 100 volunteer firefighters will depart, working alongside their Queensland colleagues in dire conditions,” Mr Grant said.

“This contingent includes 66 officers from the NSW RFS as well as 34 from the ACT RFS.

“Sixty-seven volunteer firefighters will depart from Canberra Airport, and 33 will leave from Dubbo City Regional Airport this morning.”

Mr Grant said over the past week, NSW firefighters and specialist personnel have been working in very challenging conditions.

“Despite the difficult situation, they have performed exceptionally well, doing important work in Queensland both on the frontline protecting communities, and in positions of analysis, investigation and aviation,” Mr Grant said.

“The NSW community should be incredibly proud of their commitment and professional approach to the immense task at hand”.

In a response coordinated by the NSW RFS, Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers has also praised the support of families and employers of the firefighters.

“Firefighting can be very demanding and our men and women can’t do it without the support of their loved ones,” Deputy Commissioner Rogers said.

“We should also thank the many employers across NSW who have so generously given their workers time off to help in Queensland’s time of need.

“These deployments are part of national resourcing sharing arrangements, and further assistance will be provided if Queensland needs it.”

Contact Name: Brooke Eggleton

Contact Phone: 0437 472 455