NSW emergency agencies are repaying the support of their Canadian colleagues during the devastating Australian 2019-20 bushfires by sending personnel to help with wildfires in Canada. 

There are reportedly more than 800 fires burning across Canada. 

More than 50 specialists from NSW firefighting and emergency service agencies are on their way to Canada as part of the fourth deployment from NSW. 

The NSW group will join an Australian and New Zealand contingent of more than 120 first responders departing this week. So far more than 700 Australians have travelled to Canada. 

The contingent includes firefighters supporting Canadian colleagues on the fire front, along with incident management and specialist aviation support officers. 

The deployment of the Australian team to Vancouver is coordinated through the National Resource Sharing Centre. 

There are 22 firefighters from the Rural Fire Services (RFS), 15 from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, eight from the NSW State Emergency Services (SES), and three from both Fire and Rescue NSW and Forestry Corporation NSW. 

“We appreciate the support of our Canadian colleagues during the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires, and it is with deep appreciation we continue to return the favour with our fourth emergency services deployment during this difficult fire season that Canada is facing,” NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said. 

RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers says Canada continues to see significant fire activity and the RFS is fortunate to be able to assist in coordinating the NSW contribution to the international response. 

“I thank those who are departing this week, along with those involved in the logistical task of organising this deployment, potentially of up to 42 days. 

“Continued international requests for Australian assistance are a testament to the professionalism, skill and experience of our fire specialists.”