The Bravo contingent of 20 firefighters experienced in arduous conditions, plus two liaison officers, departed recently to support firefighting efforts in Victoria, Australia.

This second Fire and Emergency New Zealand deployment followed a formal request from Emergency Management Victoria for an exact replacement of the current Alpha deployment which arrived back in New Zealand earlier this month.

Deputy National Commander, Brandan Nally, says the Alpha contingent did “a great job” supporting Australian firefighters in tough and challenging conditions in the north-east of the state, where a bushfire has been burning since it broke out on January 5.

"Fire and Emergency has received positive feedback from the Australians for the work Alpha has done and the Bravo contingent of firefighters is continuing the good work."

Bravo deployment is working as four crews of five plus a Field Liaison Officer and a Jurisdiction Liaison Officer. One crew is from the Department of Conservation, and the other three crews are firefighters from the South Island, plus two forestry workers.

Victoria is experiencing extreme weather conditions with multiple bushfires, which have already caused loss of life and extensive damage to homes, property and the environment.

The Bravo firefighters are experienced in working on complex wildfires in difficult terrain and hot temperatures. They are equipped and ready to stay at a fire camp in a remote location.

Fire and Emergency has international agreements to provide mutual assistance, and regularly deploys personnel overseas to Australia, Pacific Islands and North America.