AS DOZENS of wildfires continue to rage in the north-west of the United States of America (USA), three specialist firefighters from the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) and Department for Environment and Water will be deployed to help today.
The request for aid came on Sunday from the USA, as 89 large fires burned through more than 376,000 hectares.
The selected members will join a contingent of 146 Australians and New Zealanders to assist more than 12,000 US firefighters and 17 water bomber crews in an attempt to contain the fires.
While none of the firefighters are from the South East region, CFS acting region five commander Sam Quigley said members from the area were considered.
“It was definitely considered by us, however the criteria was rigorous and the roles required highly-trained frontline firefighters,” Mr Quigley said.
Two South Australian CFS staff have also been sent to Emergency Management Victoria to help coordinate the international deployment.
“If another request for assistance is made, we will reconsider members from this region depending on what roles they are looking to fill,” Mr Quigley said.
The South Australian specialists will be deployed to the USA for 42 days.
