Australia to Send Helicopters and Firefighting Team to Assist France

Dragon Media News Desk

The Australian government has announced that it will send firefighting helicopters and a specialist team to help France combat devastating wildfires.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain and New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib issued a joint statement on Friday announcing that the assistance would be deployed within days.

Australia will send a Chinook helicopter equipped with an 11,300-litre water tank and a Bell 412 helicopter for reconnaissance and operational support. A team of 24 highly skilled aerial and ground personnel from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service will also be deployed to France.

The Australian team will support round-the-clock firefighting operations and help reduce pressure on French emergency services. The joint statement said France was facing one of its most serious wildfire crises in decades following prolonged heat and simultaneous outbreaks in several regions.

The assistance will be provided following a formal request from the French government. The Australian Defence Force will offer air transport and logistical support to rapidly deploy personnel, helicopters and equipment to France.

Foreign Minister Wong said France was a close and important partner, adding that Australia stood with the French people during this difficult period.

Emergency Management Minister McBain recalled that France had assisted Australia during the 2019–20 “Black Summer” bushfire crisis, saying the latest deployment reflected the friendship and solidarity between the two countries.