Geelong firefighters fly off to California

FIVE firefighters from the Geelong region are among the Victorian emergency management personnel now assisting in managing the devastating first fires in northern California.

Forest Fire Management Victoria members Aaron Ledden, Aimee Haywood, Barry James, Brooke Bailey and Lachie Davis from the Barwon South West region departed Melbourne yesterday.

They are part of a 33-strong contingent, which includes 20 arduous firefighters (self-sufficient firefighters, who work remotely and in difficult terrain), 12 divisional commanders and two senior liaison officers.

They come from CFA and Forest Fire Management, which include the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning(DELWP) and Parks Victoria members.

Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said California has requested support from Victoria to the Northern California fires that have already caused significant death, destruction and community displacement.

“While Victoria is also coming into the summer, the Victorian firefighting crews have been sourced from areas across the state and this has been carefully considered to ensure this small but important deployment does not impact on Victoria’s response capability running up to summer. Victoria remains focused on being well prepared and resourced to manage the planning and response to incidents and emergencies in Victoria”