South Australian firefighters deploying to Western Australia
17/12/2025
The South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) will be deploying 25 skilled firefighters and incident management personnel to support our Western Australian neighbours in managing bushfires.
Following a severe heatwave and protracted fire activity, Western Australia's Department of Fire & Emergency Services has requested assistance as the state manages approximately 50 active bushfires.
Fireground conditions have been intensified by dry fuels and gusty winds, prompting evacuation orders in some communities.
Our personnel will depart Adelaide today and travel to Perth, from where they will be deployed to sites in WA's Mid West region.
The CFS personnel participating in this deployment includes volunteers and staff:
- Robert Borgo, Concordia
- Raymond Grose, Clarendon
- Franz Wallner, Oakbank/Balhannah
- Sam Hastie, Hahndorf
- James Burchell, Coromandel Valley
- Dave Dyer, Mawson Operations Brigade
- Tom Wildy, Summertown & District
- Mel Williams, Cherry Gardens
- Jason Menadue, Roseworthy
- Thomas Stewart, Roseworthy
- Dave Crisanti, Tea Tree Gully
- Cameron Walsh, Dalkeith
- Dylan Collett, Tailem Bend
- Brenton Menadue, Murray Bridge
- Sam Baldwin, Murray Bridge
- Robbie Kay, Region 3 Operations
- Matthew Allan, Region 1 Operations
- Dean Norman, CFS Staff
- Ben Pettman, CFS Staff
- Danny Crozier, CFS Staff
- Rachel Guy, CFS Staff
- Alex Giles, CFS Staff
- Matthew Pearson, CFS Staff
- Kayla Escott, CFS Staff
- Peter Ikonomopoulos, CFS Staff
This deployment is expected to last up to seven days.
It marks the second time in 2025 that the CFS has deployed to WA, following personnel being sent to the Pilbara region in mid-February in response to Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia.
Quotes attributable to CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin:
"The South Australian community should be proud of the dedicated service provided by our highly skilled firefighters in supporting our Western Australian neighbours."
"Opportunities such as these not only support our interstate partner agencies, but they also provide invaluable experiences for our personnel, who can then utilise any new skills gained here in South Australia."
"We are proud to deploy our CFS members to WA to support the community during this challenging period, while remaining prepared to respond to emergencies at home."
Quotes attributable to Emergency Services Minister Rhiannon Pearce:
"I want to wish this contingent of South Australian firefighters the very best as they come to the aid of their interstate colleagues fighting fires throughout Western Australia.
"The whole of South Australia is proud of them and wish them a safe return once these fires are under control."
For further enquiries, contact the CFS Media Line (8115 3531) or cfs.communications@eso.sa.gov.au
