FFMVic staff to fight fires in the US

FOREST Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) staff from the Geelong region have flown to the United States to assist with the firefighting effort in Oregon, Washington State and Northern California.

The quartet of emergency management personnel from Geelong, Lorne and Anglesea will be taking on specialist roles in responding to the destructive fires burning along the west coast.

The Barwon South West team of field liaison officer Barry James, safety officers Aaron Van Winden and Peter Hay, and sector commander Lachlan Davis – who left Melbourne Airport last week – are part of a contingent of 188 Australian and New Zealand personnel who have been requested to fly out to provide vital support.

FFMVic Barwon South West Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andrew Morrow said: “These are some of our region’s most experienced emergency management personnel, having years of experience in leading and assisting with responses to fires, floods and other emergencies.

“It’s yet to be determined what locations they will be based at, as the team will first arrive at Boise in Idaho, where the national coordination centre is set up.

“From there, they’ll receive training and briefings, and travel to the areas where they are most needed.

“Taking on specialist roles, our staff will be providing much-needed assistance to local crews battling the fires which have caused devastation across the west coast.

“With extensive experience in working through arduous conditions, they will work for 14-day stints during the 42-day deployment.

“We wish them all the best on this challenging deployment, in which they’ll gain valuable skills, knowledge and experience to share with their colleagues when they return home.”