Local News

Actions

Nevada firefighters continue to assist in Australia

Posted at 7:00 PM, Feb 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-20 22:00:47-05

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Four BLM firefighters have returned from Australia after assisting with the fire suppression efforts there.

Firefighters Brian Holmes, Eric Tilden and Joe Miller and Justin Cutler returned this month.

The BLM has also sent two more firefighters over to Australia and plans to send three more in the coming weeks bringing the total amount of firefighters sent to assist to 11.

All will be returning sometime in March. Details on their individual assignments are not available at this time.

“We’re proud of the volunteers who have stepped up to assist with the suppression efforts in Australia since December 2019,” said Paul Petersen, BLM Nevada State Fire Management Officer. “Our ability to contribute to is a testament to the training and experience of our personnel and a way to give back to a country that has provided assistance to us many times.”

Australia and the U.S. have conducted exchanges in techniques, policies and information as far back as 1964. Australia has sent fire management specialists to the U.S. six times since 2000. The United States has sent firefighters and fire managers to assist with Australia’s fire season four times since 2003.