Bureau of Indian Affairs Sends Seven Wildland Firefighters to Australia

WASHINGTON - Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Tara Katuk Sweeney Wednesday announced in December, the Bureau of Indian Affairs sent wildland fire personnel abroad for the first time to combat the wildfires in Australia. Since December, so far 95 firefighters from DOI and the USFS have been deployed at the request of the Australian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council. Of these, seven employees with the Bureau of Indian Affairs have deployed.

"The loss of life, property and environment are devastating in Australia," said U.S. Secretary David Bernhardt. "The United States stands with our partners, and we will continue to support Australia in sending our world class personnel to contain these blazes and help protect Australian communities and wildlife."

The U.S., Australia and New Zealand have been exchanging fire assistance for more than 15 years as the Australian and New Zealand personnel filled critical needs during peak wildfire season in the United States. The last time the U.S sent firefighters to Australia was in 2010.

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