Regional fire crews will help fight Australia fires
Regional fire crews will help fight Australiafires
19 January 2007
published by www.rockymountainnews.com
Australia — Eighteen Forest Service employees from the Rocky Mountain Regionare preparing to go to Australia to help firefighters battle about 2.6 millionacres in wildland fires now burning throughout the country.
They are preparing to join nearly 100 interagency crew members and includetwo infrared technicians to assist with aerial monitoring, one person for amanagement role, and 15 crew members to round out a 20-person interagency Type 1crew.
“We are honored to send some of our best firefighters to assist theAustralian government,” said Rick Cables, Rocky Mountain Regional Forester.”Their willingness to help another country during extreme conditionsdemonstrates their professionalism and dedication to the mission.”
Fires in Australia are fueled by extended drought and hot temperatures andcurrently are burning east and northwest of Melbourne, the capitol of the stateof Victoria.
