MEDIA RELEASE

Firefighters due back from US deployment

28 September 2015

Fifteen firefighters sent to the United States to help combat fires in Washington State will return hometomorrow.

National Rural Fire Officer Kevin O'Connor said the team had spent a month in rugged, mountainous terrain to the north of the city of Spokane where they had provided frontline support to local firefighters.

Mr O’Connor said fires continued to burn in the state, as well as in Montana, California and Oregon, but the situation had stabilised as a result of the efforts of thousands of local and overseas firefighters and army volunteers.

“The North American fire season has been one of the most severe in many years, and authorities have been very pleased with the support they’ve received,” he said.

“For our part, it’s experience that will prove valuable back home.”

Sixty Australian firefighters had departed for home at the same time as the New Zealanders.

The team will arrive at Auckland International Airport about 6am tomorrow.

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