More than 200 emergency management personnel were deployed to Queensland last week to support their bushfire response.
Incident management teams consisting of public information, planning, intelligence and logistics officers will work closely with local crews in Toowoomba and Rockhampton.
Aircraft assistance and strike force units with volunteer firefighters are also being provided. At least six vehicles were transported to Queensland to assist.
Victorian Emergency Management commissioner Rick Nugent thanked Victorian personnel for their dedication and support.
“Ahead of what will likely be a busy bushfire season in Victoria, I commend those who have made the commitment to helping our fellow firefighters and communities up in Queensland and I wish them all the best for their deployment,” he said.
“Our teams are highly skilled and we will continue to do all we can to support our Queensland counterparts.”
Country Fire Authority, CFA, chief officer Jason Heffernan praised contributions made by CFA volunteers and staff.
“Our CFA personnel are well-equipped to handle any challenge and we are proud to offer our resources to our partner agencies interstate to continue to keep communities safe from bushfires,” he said.
“We would like to thank everyone involved in the deployments, as well as those who remain behind to continue to prepare and protect our communities.”
VICSES deputy chief officer David Baker also thanked those making the trip north.
“Thank you to our VICSES volunteers and staff for being part of the multi-agency team headed for Queensland to assist emergency management colleagues,” he said.
“We work as one, not just here in Victoria but across our nation.”
