Benalla firefighters join fight against overseas blazes

By Kayla Jones

Aug 2, 2024

Ten firefighters from the Hume region left for Canada on Thursday, August 1, including three Benalla firefighters.

When bushfires swept through Australia in 2019 and 2020, Canada was one of the first countries to lend a helping hand.

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Now, three brave firefighters from the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in Benalla are returning the favour.

Benalla firefighters Mitch Beaton, Natasha Brown and Fiona Powels will join 60 other Forest Fire Management Victoria personnel in assisting Canada’s firefighters as they battle against the hundreds of extreme wildfires currently wreaking havoc on the country.

The pair departed from Albury Airport on Thursday, August, 1, accompanying seven other firefighters from the Hume region.

They will provide valuable support and resources to Canadian forces, who have been battling extreme fires since the season’s early start in May.

“FFMVic firefighters and incident management staff bring extensive emergency management experience taking on specialist roles, as well on-ground firefighting,” Hume deputy chief fire officer Aaron Kennedy said.

“Our arduous firefighters are well-prepared to face Canada’s challenging and remote terrain, bringing specialist skills in tree-felling and dry firefighting techniques.

“I am confident that they will be put to good use and will make a positive impact on the ground.”

Australia and New Zealand as a whole have sent over 100 firefighters to Canada for assistance.