More Kiwis off to battle Aussie bush fires
published by www.odt.co.nz
New Zealand/Australia– Kiwi firefighters will travel to Australia today to help fight bush fires that continue to rage in the state of Victoria.
A total of 22 firefighters from stations in Auckland, Rotorua-Whakatane, the West Coast and Invercargill will head across the Tasman this afternoon.
They are the second contingent from New Zealand assigned to help; following a 23-strong team who flew out just over a week ago.
National Rural Fire Officer Kevin O'Connor said the crews on the ground had already made a big impact — helping to contain fires, which continue to burn on a 40km front around Victoria's southwest coast.
Mr O'Connor said fire danger remained "very high" and both deployments were scheduled to last up to three weeks. There was a possibility that could be extended, depending on conditions.
The fires were sparked last month after lightning strikes in the area