- 24 QFD personnel will deploy to Canada as part of a contingent from Australia and New Zealand.
- Canada has requested support from Australian firefighters as wildfires rage across the country.
- Working in tough conditions, QFD personnel may be required to camp in remote areas of the Canadian wilderness for the duration of the operation.
Queensland Fire Department (QFD) personnel will travel to Canada for the second time in as many years to battle extreme wildfires.
A contingent from Australia and New Zealand will depart this week, assisting local crews in their emergency response.
The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre requested international assistance as the country enters the peak of their wildfire season.
Heatwave conditions and severe winds have caused hundreds of wildfires to burn across the country, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate and leave their homes.
A 12-person Incident Management Team will be the first group to depart to British Columbia, they include personnel from Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR) and Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ). Further personnel with deploy over the coming days.
Well versed in operating in arduous conditions, QFD personnel may be required to camp in remote areas of the Canadian wilderness for the duration of the operation.
Deploying for a total of 40 days, staff and volunteers from across the state will start departing from Brisbane Airport on July 18.
As stated by Fire and Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd:
“Whether they’re fighting fires at home or overseas, QFD personnel are always able and willing to answer the call for help,” Ms Boyd said.
“Queenslanders are no strangers to harsh fire conditions, and our staff are well placed to help bring these wildfires under control and provide some welcome relief to Canadian firefighters.”
“QFD personnel assisted in Canada during their wildfire season in 2023, and their firefighting expertise and experience will allow them to hit the ground running and get to work with rapid emergency response.”
As stated by QFD Commissioner Steve Smith:
“Deploying internationally is nothing new for our staff and volunteers, and our dedicated personnel are always ready to travel abroad to help countries in their time of need,” Commissioner Smith said.
“QFD personnel will assist with incident management, fire behaviour analysis, operational support and aerial operations.
“The conditions in Canada are physically demanding, working in remote and heavily forested areas, but it’s nothing that our highly trained personnel can’t handle.
“QFD has a strong relationship with the international emergency services community, and I am proud our staff and volunteers are held in such high regard across the globe.”
