Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) now is deploying a Strike Team to western Victoria, where it will help protect communities facing a bushfire emergency and forecast of extreme heat in the coming days.
Fifteen firefighters and three incident management experts will deploy with five vehicles, including state-of-the-art bushfire tankers, light tankers and bulk water carriers, as they support Victoria's Country Fire Authority (CFA) crews.
They'll form part of a larger NSW contingent also involving four Rural Fire Service (RFS) Strike Teams, comprising 110 volunteer firefighters.
Combination of high temperatures
Fifteen firefighters and three incident management experts will deploy with five vehicles
FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, said the expertise and equipment will prove invaluable to Victorian communities, if the grim predictions are realized.
Jeremy Fewtrell said, "The combination of high temperatures, harsh winds and a parched landscape is concerning, and our thoughts are with all Victorians in the potential danger zones."
Exhausted fire crews
Commissioner Fewtrell adds: "Like our own firefighters, our CFA counterparts are experienced and knowledgeable in dealing with acts of nature, and can deploy quickly and act decisively."
He continues, "FRNSW will work closely with the CFA over the next few days to support local communities in any way we can, including relieving exhausted fire crews."
