DOC to send up to 12 firefighters to Aussie

The Department of Conservation is looking to send up to a dozen trained DOC fire fighters to help Australian fire crews battling the Victorian bushfires.

The move is in response to a request today from New Zealand’s National Rural Fire Authority following a call for assistance made by the Australian fire authorities.

DOC is currently identifying available personnel and equipment.

DOC is looking to meet the call without jeopardising fire cover in areas, such as the East Coast, Canterbury and the Nelson/Marlborough regions, which are currently facing their own high fire risk.

DOC is working closely with the Rural Fire Authority to get the crews deployed as quickly as possible.


Contact: Rory Newsam, DOC Communications Advice Manager, 04 471 3104 or 027 295 3809

Contact: Murray Dudfield, Rural Fire Authority, 04 496 3689.