Normally aDepartment of Environment, Land, Water and Planning safety adviser, Mr Culhane will join members from Parks Victoria.

The crew, which also includes three members from the CFA, will work alongside other Victorian and Australian agencies to support local firefighters.

FFMVic chief fire officer Stephanie Rotarangi said the fires have already destroyed more than 130,000 hectares and caused 30,000 people to evacuate British Columbia. 

Australian firefighters and specialists were farewelled yesterday for a potentially 42-day deployment. 

“Our skilled staff are among the best in the world and I’m proud we can contribute to this international effort,” she said.

“I wish all of our crews the best of luck and offer them my thanks on behalf of all Victorians.”

Ms Rotarangi  said British Columbia’s relationship with Australia allows for the exchange of personnel, knowledge, skills, equipment, technology and mutual support in the event of an emergency.

She said fire personnel from British Columbia were deployed to Australia in 2007 and 2009 to help respond to busy fire seasons here, given the Australian fire season typically occurs during British Columbia’s winter and spring months.

Personnel from Australia were deployed to British Columbia in 2009 and 2014.