24 Nov 2019

First NZ firefighters return after battling Australian blazes

3:21 pm on 24 November 2019

The first group of firefighters sent to Australia to help battle wildfires will arrive home late this afternoon.

No caption

New Zealand firefighters have rallied to help Australian firefighters in the battle against numerous wildfires. Photo: AFP

Fire and Emergency manager of rural fire Tim Mitchell said the New Zealanders were happy to support their Australian colleagues, despite hot, dry and windy conditions that had been very challenging.

The first group of 21 New Zealanders have been in Queensland for nearly two weeks.

Another 77 New Zealand personnel remain in Australia to help with the 57 wildfires burning in Queensland and 68 fires in New South Wales.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs