Thanks to the 2002 amended “Wildfire Suppression Assistance Act”, the US is able to provide assistance to Australia and New Zealand for wildland fire suppression.  For nearly 20 years, we have shared other fire management expertise in areas like training, observation of operational procedures, prescribed fire programs, use of equipment, prevention and education, and how each country uses volunteer resources. 

Sharing fire resources also emphasizes how universally effective the Incident Command System can be across all borders.  The Aussies delivered fire assistance resources to the US in 2000, 2002, and 2006.  It is great that the Service can reciprocate by providing these highly trained and experienced fire managers to support our friends Down Under.