SA firefighters deploy to Northern Territory and Canada
30/07/2025
South Australia's Country Fire Service (CFS) are once again stepping up to support firefighting operations across the country - and beyond.
On Thursday morning a team of 13 personnel - 11 from the CFS and 2 from Department for Environment and Water (DEW) - will travel to the Northern Territory to assist Bushfires NT in the ongoing emergency response to fires burning in the Barkly region, east of Tennant Creek.
These firefighters will be equipped with Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs), designed for swift access to remote terrain and challenging landscapes.
CFS State Duty Officer, Simeon Telfer, said the deployment builds on a strong tradition of inter-agency support.
"This marks another significant moment for South Australian firefighting efforts this season," Mr Telfer said.
"We're proud to support Bushfires NT by sending skilled personnel and QRV-equipped teams capable of operating in difficult conditions."
Internationally, CFS continues to assist in Canada with the deployment of additional firefighters to assist crews battling widespread wildfires.
One firefighter flew out last Monday, with an additional four personnel - two from CFS and two from DEW - to depart for Canada next Monday.
At the same time, SA firefighters deployed to Canada in June will be welcomed home this Friday, following the completion of their mission.
"We are incredibly proud of the dedication and professionalism our firefighters continue to show on the global stage", Mr Telfer said.
"Their deployment to Canada is a testament to their skill, resilience and unwavering commitment to protecting lives and communities, wherever the need arises. We are grateful to them and their families for the sacrifice they've made in undertaking this overseas deployment."
Returning CFS staff member Peter Ikonomopoulos said his Canadian experience was one he will always treasure.
"To take the skills I've honed with the SA Country Fire Service to help Canada in its time of need was an honour," he said.
"Meanwhile, the new skills gained during the deployment will be invaluable to myself and the other South Australians involved as we prepare for the next Fire Danger Season."
Minister for Emergency Services, Emily Bourke, said the latest deployments demonstrate South Australia's willingness to help.
"Whether it's across the border or overseas, our skilled firefighters repeatedly answer the call to assist communities in need," Minister Bourke said.
"Our capacity and capability in emergency services is enabling personnel to gain first-hand experience in different jurisdictions and acquire skills which can be used back home."
"We are truly grateful to our CFS volunteers and these deployments highlight the diverse opportunities available to South Australians considering joining their ranks."
For more information on becoming a CFS volunteer, visit cfs.sa.gov.au/volunteers.
Northern Territory deployees
Wayne Bowman, CFS Region 1
Emily Vanzo, Hindmarsh Valley CFS
George Stolz, Hindmarsh Valley CFS
Lachlan Collins, Hindmarsh Valley CFS
Jessica Collins, Hindmarsh Valley CFS
Peter Nenke, Macclesfield CFS
David Schulz, Macclesfield CFS
Matthew McGrath, Lenswood/Forest Range CFS
Charlie Gregory, Clarendon CFS
Andrew Francis, Mount Barker CFS
Geoffrey Nairn, Basket Range CFS
Brenton Park, DEW
Jordan Prettejohn, DEW
Outgoing Canada deployees
Danny Crozier, CFS Region 5
Phil Tapscott, CFS Region 4
Anthony Casey, Peterborough CFS
Shane Parker, DEW
Simon Oster, DEW
Returning Canada deployees
Peter Ikonomopoulos, CFS Region 4
Tony Pratt, Aldgate CFS
Luke Ashworth, NPWS Brigade
Joseph Gallasch, NPWS Brigade
Paul Gillen, NPWS Brigade
Nathan Moore, NPWS Brigade
Renata Rix, NPWS Brigade
Brett Backhouse, NPWS Brigade
