Crews from Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) will begin their journey to Canada on Saturday 20 July to support the ongoing fire response in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba.
Five personnel from CFA and 19 from FFMVic will depart Melbourne for Sydney where they will be briefed before travelling to Canada on Sunday to begin their month-long deployment. Two FFMVic personnel are already in Canada in preparation of the larger group’s arrival.
These 26 Victorians will support through incident management and field supervision roles, including firefighting, heavy equipment and aircraft.
The fire situation in Canada has become worse over recent weeks, with hundreds of fires burning across the country and thousands evacuated. Canada is now at National Preparedness Level five, the highest level.
Emergency services in the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia face specific challenges which Victorian crews are well suited to tackle.
Victorian personnel will undertake specialist roles on the ground and in the air, including as strike team leaders, international liaison officers and strategic planners.
This is the second consecutive year that Victoria has supported the wildfire response in these two provinces. In 2023, 115 Victorians supported Canada’s firefighting efforts as over 420 fires raged across the country, while Canadian firefighters have supported Victorian firefighting efforts in the past, including during the 2019-20 bushfires.
Quotes attributable to Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent
“Thank you to everyone who is traveling to Canada to respond to the wildfires which have been burning for several weeks.
“We have a strong and ongoing relationship with Canada, and it’s great that we can continue to share our emergency management expertise overseas.”
Quotes attributable to FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman
"These efforts involve hard work, dedication and a commitment to making a positive impact.
“This experience not only supports international firefighting efforts, but the exposure to different environments, international teams and new methods and approaches enhances our capabilities to manage large-scale bushfires at home.
"We extend our heartfelt thanks to our deployed staff and to their colleagues and loved ones who support them from home.”
Quotes attributable to CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan
"We wish our members and partner agencies a safe journey and deployment as they support this significant wildfire event.
“It’s important we continue these cross-border arrangements for sharing personnel and resources. We’re proud of our relationship with these countries and I’m pleased we’re able to provide support.
“I want to thank our members for leaving their loved ones for the next month and I have no doubt they will represent Victoria and Australia proudly.”
