The SA Country Fire Service is deploying skilled firefighters to the United States of America for the first time since 2018. Source: Timberbiz
CFA personnel will support the US’ key wildland firefighting agency, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), in managing extensive incidents across the nation’s Pacific Northwest.
The eight-member deployment left Adelaide on Tuesday and head to the NIFC’s base in Boise, Idaho, as part of a contingent of 66 Australian firefighters.
CFS crew, featuring six volunteers and two staff, participating in this deployment include:
- Malcolm Biscoe, Strike Team Leader, Goolwa Brigade
- Anthony Casey, Strike Team Leader, Peterborough Brigade
- Justin Baxter, Strike Team Leader, Kadina Brigade
- Garry Jungfer, Strike Team Leader, Angaston Brigade
- Paul Unsworth, Sector Commander, Sellicks Brigade
- Timothy Buck, Sector Commander, Kangaroo Island
- Damon Whitwell, Sector Commander
- Michael Amos, Sector Commander
There are currently around 100 fires being managed by NIFC in the Pacific Northwest, with over 80 of these uncontained large fires.
Conditions in the area range from desert landscape to large mountains, with personnel camping and working in various types of weather.
This deployment will last for up to 40 days.
In total, 20 CFS personnel have been deployed this year to fight fires in Canada and the USA.
“This is the CFS’ first deployment to the United States since 2018 and we are honoured and privileged to be supporting overseas firefighting agencies during their time of need,” CFA Chief Officer Brett Loughlin said.
“Our CFS personnel will be providing a valuable resource in fighting these fires, but also gaining additional skills that will benefit our communities as we prepare for our own fire danger season.”
