Helpers to head home
Helpers to head home
20 February 2007
published by www.bordermail.com.au
New South Wales, Australia — The 108 US firefighters sent to help containVictorias summer bushfire crisis will return home this week.
They are the last of the international crews sent to Victoria at the heightof the fire crisis, which began with a series of lightning strikes in easternVictoria on December 1.
The blazes have now been contained, but have razed about 1.2 million hectaresof bush.
Department of Sustainability and Environment chief fire officer Ewan Wallersaid the assistance of the Americans was greatly appreciated through one of thestates worst fire seasons.
The Americans commitment and experience has helped us immensely, hesaid.
Working alongside DSE and Country Fire Authority crews they have protectedVictorian communities and helped in the rehabilitation and recovery process.
