Fire fighter heads off on USmission

By Dion Teasdale
A MARYSVILLE fire fighter has headed to the United States to help battle 40 large blazes burning out of control across the country.
Mick Morley, who works with the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, left for the US late last week along with 15 other Victorian fire fighters.
Victorian Environment Minister John Thwaites said the 16 fire fighters will join a team of 46 Australians and New Zealanders heading to the US to battle bushfires.
Mr Thwaites said the US was experiencing one of its worst fire seasons on record and American fire authorities had requested assistance.
“Currently there are over 40 large fires burning out of control while a total of 2.35 million hectares has been affected by fire so far this season,” Mr Thwaites said.
“In addition, recent lightning has ignited more than 500 new fires and more are expected.”
Mr Thwaites said the contingent consisted of fire team leaders, operational staff and aircraft management personnel from the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Parks Victoria and the Department of Primary Industries.
He said the fire fighters would be deployed to the western United States, possibly in Oregon, Washington State, Montana and Idaho, depending on fire activity.
“I’m proud to say Victorian fire fighters are some of the best in the world and their expertise is greatly valued,” Mr Thwaites said.
North East Fire Manager, Peter Farrell, said Mr Morley was an experienced fire fighter who would make a valuable contribution to helping control the blazes currently burning in the US.