We've deployed a record number of women to Canada to support the ongoing wildfire response, continuing a long-standing tradition between Victoria and Canada.
Two 20-strong taskforces of arduous firefighters and an agency representative – including 18 women – will depart Victoria today to join 21 Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and five CFA emergency management personnel already in Canada.
FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said these individuals are among a total 62 FFMVic personnel supporting the ongoing wildfire response, continuing a long-standing tradition between Victoria and Canada.
"FFMVic staff bring extensive emergency management experience taking on specialist roles including International Liaison Officer, Air Operations Manager, liaison and planning officers, Air Base Manager, Air Attack Supervisor and Strike Team Leaders," Mr Hardman said.
"Our arduous firefighters are well-prepared to face the challenging and remote terrain of Canada, bringing specialist skills in tree-felling and dry firefighting techniques.
"These efforts involve hard work, dedication and a commitment to making a positive impact.
"While providing much-needed relief to our Canadian counterparts, these deployments also offer invaluable opportunities for FFMVic staff to expand their bushfire knowledge and operational experience in different environments, allowing them to apply what they learn to manage large-scale bushfires at home.
"We extend our heartfelt thanks to our deployed staff and to their colleagues and loved ones who support them from home."
In 2019-20, Canadian firefighters supported Victorian firefighting efforts, and since then, FFMVic staff have been part of multiple deployments to Canada over the past two fire seasons.
As Victoria prepares for the upcoming bushfire season, FFMVic is recruiting several hundred Project Firefighters to bolster their permanent firefighting staff.
These roles offer a valuable entry point into careers in environmental and emergency management. Some of FFMVic's former Project Firefighters have gone on to support firefighting efforts across Australia and internationally.
