The four Canadian staff who have been assisting at the Kempsey RFS Control Centre will return home after finishing their four weeks stationed in Kempsey.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The team have worked a total of 25 days at the control centre and have assisted local RFS crews in containing the Carrai East bushfire.
RFS Lower North Coast Zone Superintendent Lachlann Ison thanked the team for all of their work.
"We do want to say thank you for all of your help and work over the past month, it has been a great help to all of us here," he said.
"They haven't just been following directions from us, but have been helping lead the operation."
Jane Park is from Parks Canada and has been working in the planning sector at the control centre, while Spencer Verdiel, who is also from Parks Canada, has taken on the role of operations officer.
Kevin Buettner from Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has been coordinating the heavy plant operations and Sean McNeil has been working as an air attack supervisor both here in Kempsey and on the South Coast of NSW.
A fire like this would be as big as our province in Canada and that's just the one fire in this area.
- Kevin Buettner
Jane said the experience was an opportunity to push herself and assist fighting fires on the other side of the world.
"The biggest difference was flipping the climate upside down. In Canada we're used to the north being cooler and how that climate can impact fires, but here it's the other way around," she said.
"Talking to the locals and understanding how the climate and weather impacts the fire has helped.
"When you understand the differences, you can see the similarities and see how you can fight the fire and contain it."
Kevin said the size of the fireground was challenging for the Canadian team to wrap their heads around.
"A fire like this would be as big as our province in Canada and that's just the one fire in this area," he said.
The team gave up their white Christmas at home with family to help out our local RFS crews and staff.
Mayor Liz Campbell thanked them for their hard work and assistance over the past few weeks.
"On behalf of the community, we give you our gratitude and thanks, our community is really grateful for all of your work," she said.
Jane, Spencer, Kevin and Sean have stayed in Kempsey for the past month and have travelled to South West Rocks, Crescent Head, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour on day trips when they aren't at the control centre.
"It's been nice to see some of the surrounding areas, it's my first time to Australia," Jane said.
"The appreciation that's come our way here in Australia has been incredible," Kevin added.
The team finished their last day at the Kempsey Control Centre today. They will fly to Sydney tomorrow for a debriefing before flying home to Canada, leaving the 35 degree weather for minus 35 degrees instead.
Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Macleay Argus newsletter here.
Also making the news:
