The first group of firefighters sent to Australia to help fight major bushfires is due home tomorrow.
The 23 firefighters spent three weeks helping out along Victoria's south-western coast, spending much of their time near the coastal town of Lorne.
Fires there burnt through 2500 hectares of dense forest but are now under control.
A second contingent of 22 New Zealand firefighters is well into its second week of deployment, building firebreaks in steep, rugged hill country.
National Rural Fire Officer Kevin O'Connor said Victorians were grateful for the help and his officers got valuable experience from the deployment.
