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The Australian Defence Force has been working with emergency services in north-eastern NSW to assist with firefighting efforts.
The fires raging in northern NSW have been described by Premier Gladys Berejiklian “as some of the most devastating bushfires we have ever seen”, declaring the first state of emergency in the state since 2013.
ADF personnel, while not trained firefighters, have been called to action by Defence Minister Linda Reynolds to support the firefighting efforts.
“As the Minister for Defence, I am focused on ensuring the ADF are ready to provide additional support for the nation’s front line first responders,” Minister Reynolds said.
“Last night, a Royal Australian Air Force 737 Boeing Business Jet transported ACT Rural Fire Service firefighters from Canberra, and this morning an RAAF C-130J aircraft flew firefighters and equipment from Adelaide to Port Macquarie.
“Defence is also working with Emergency Management Australia to support further air transport requests and is identifying what other ADF capabilities can be used if requested.”
Three people have been killed and at least 150 homes destroyed as over 850,000 of hectares of land have burned from the fires.
“As the former Minister for Emergency Management, last bushfire season I saw first-hand the devastating impact that natural disasters have on communities,” Minister Reynolds said.
“I also saw how federal government agencies work together to provide support for states and territories.
“I pay tribute to the emergency services personnel fighting these fires across the country, as well as the ADF personnel who support them.”
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