- Emergency services personnel help Canada fight nearly 300 wildfires
- Service pins presented to 13 DFES staff and volunteers
In appreciation of their efforts during last year's Canadian wildfires, 13 Department of Fire and Emergency Services staff and volunteers today received Canadian Deployment Recognition Pins.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson and Department of Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM presented the recognition pins and thanked staff and volunteers for their heroic efforts.
The special taskforce of Western Australian firefighters was deployed after Australia received a formal request from the Canadian Government to help its crews tackle the worst wildfires the country had experienced in years due to record temperatures.
In British Columbia, a State of Emergency was declared as more than 3,180 personnel were deployed to fight nearly 300 fires sweeping through the province.
The WA contingent featured members who travelled from as far as the Great Southern and Mid-West Gascoyne.
They completed a 30-day deployment in extreme conditions with the WA contingent undertaking important roles including:
- incident controllers;
- fire behaviour analysts; and
- aerial firefighting specialists.
Albany Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service volunteers Benjamin Bunney and Heather Bell announced their engagement while on the deployment.
Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"I am extremely proud that Western Australia was able to answer this call and send an emergency response contingent with such a vast skills set to Canada during these devastating wildfires.
"I thank the Department of Fire and Emergency Services' staff and volunteers who put their hands up to protect the Canadian community.
"Their actions in successfully filling key roles, including incident controllers, fire behaviour analysts and aerial firefighting specialists, will certainly enhance our reputation around the world.
"It is that selflessness, dedication and service under extremely challenging conditions we acknowledge today with the presentation of Canadian Deployment Recognition Pins."
RECIPIENTS
Minister's office - 6552 5800
