Foresters deployed to US fires
From the Spring 2008 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
Forests NSW has again contributed personnel to assist in controlling wildfires in California.
Foresters Duncan Watt from Tumut in the Hume Region and Dean Kearney from Coffs Harbourin North East Region flew out on 13 July 2008 with 42 other Australian and NewZealand firefighters in the first deployment this year, with others expected later in the season.
The United States fire authorities decided to deploy an additional 2000 National Guardsoldiers to the firefighting effort in California, and these largely untrained firefighters made new demands for the provision of experienced divisional commanders.
Forests NSWfire branch manager, Steve Bishop, said this would lead to further requests for additional experienced people from Australia and New Zealand.
NorthernCalifornia was the centre off firefighting activity at the time the first deployment left, where there were continued hot dry conditions with thunderstorms causing new fires.
The Australian and New Zealand team members spent two days induction at the National Interagency fire centre in Boise Idaho before being sent to their posts, where they will remain on duty for 14 days, have two days off,and then work a further 14 days.
They will havea further two days off the fireline before rotating home.
More information on the US fires can be found at http://www.nifc.gov
Howard Spencer, Public Affairs & Media, Coffs Harbour
