Jeremy Rockliff

Premier of Tasmania



18 July 2017

, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management

TFS personnel to assist Canada in bushfire fight

Two specialist Tasmania Fire Service personnel will be deployed to Canada for the next 42 days to assist in the region’s fight against the current severe wildfires in British Columbia.

Tasmanians know full well the devastating impact that bushfires can have, and we are more than willing to assist our international colleagues in their efforts to save lives, properties and communities from further harm.

Rochelle Richards is a planning Manager for TFS’ Fuel Reduction Unit and will provide her expertise in Canada as a Fire Behaviour Analyst, and Neil Brooksbank is a District Officer for State Operations who will undertake a high level Incident Controller role in an Incident Management Team.

Both are experts in their field and will provide valuable expertise in dealing with steep country and tall trees similar to Tasmanian conditions.

This deployment follows a request from Canada to assist with firefighting operations in British Columbia as the region battles over 160 active fires.

We stand ready to assist with further resources as required, and the people of Tasmania thank these two fire experts for their willingness to help on such short notice.



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