South Australian firefighters deploy for Tasmania Issued 20 Jan 12:21

South Australian firefighters deploy for Tasmania

20/01/2019

Twenty-one South Australian firefighters departed Adelaide today to help Tasmanian firefighters facing more than 50 wildfire across their state at the moment.

The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) have deployed 12 remote-area firefighter to help contain the fire in areas inaccessible for trucks and heavy equipment.

"This is tiring and arduous firefighting," DEW Manager of Operations Fire and Flood Management Sam Sanderson said.

"Firefighters carry their equipment to the site and will spend most of their time physically creating fuel breaks by cutting or clearing spaces using chainsaws and rake-hoes," Mr Sanderson said.

Six South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) and three DEW members will also be deployed for Level 3 Incident Management Teams.

"This is the fourth time South Australia has sent firefighters to events outside of our state this season, with deployments to Queensland, California and Canada already supported," CFS Assistant Chief Officer Rob Sandford said.

"It's a testament to the skill base and professionalism of our volunteers and staff within the CFS and DEW that they are able to aid fire agencies locally and abroad with minimal notice."

The 21 South Australian firefighters will be deployed to Hobart and Launceston for 7 days, with considerations for more deployments made if requested.

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South Australian firefighters deploy for Tasmania 20/01/2019 Twenty-one South Australian firefighters departed Adelaide today to help Tasmanian firefighters facing more than 50 wildfire across their state at the moment. The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) have deployed 12 remote-area firefighter to help contain the fire in areas inaccessible for trucks and heavy equipment. "This is tiring and arduous firefighting," DEW Manager of Operations Fire and Flood Management Sam Sanderson said. "Firefighters carry their equipment to the site and will spend most of their time physically creating fuel breaks by cutting or clearing spaces using chainsaws and rake-hoes," Mr Sanderson said. Six South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) and three DEW members will also be deployed for Level 3 Incident Management Teams. "This is the fourth time South Australia has sent firefighters to events outside of our state this season, with deployments to Queensland, California and Canada already supported," CFS Assistant Chief Officer Rob Sandford said. "It's a testament to the skill base and professionalism of our volunteers and staff within the CFS and DEW that they are able to aid fire agencies locally and abroad with minimal notice." The 21 South Australian firefighters will be deployed to Hobart and Launceston for 7 days, with considerations for more deployments made if requested.
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