AS forest fires continue to rage in California, seasoned North East firefighter Mike Blackall has been flown to the US to share his experience and expertise.
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The DSE works co-ordinator for the Ovens-Myrtleford area has 15 years of experience as a firefighter, including tackling blazes in both the Alpine fires in 2003 and the Great Divide fires in 2006-07.
Mr Blackall’s experience will be invaluable to the firefighting efforts, according to North East Fire Manager, Peter Farrell.
“Their resources have been stretched so they have sought international help,” Mr Farrell said.
“What they have particularly valued from past involvement is management and higher-level skills.
“Firefighters of Mike’s calibre are in high demand in these circumstances as they can adapt to the local conditions quickly and make a real difference to the firefighting effort.
“And during his deployment, he will also develop skills and gain invaluable experience that he will bring back.”
Mr Farrell said that firefighting resources were also sent from the US during times of need, such as the Corryong and Mansfield fires in 2006-07.
“The resources we share are reciprocated as firefighting becomes more international,” he said.
“There are a lot of unique and special skills in firefighting.”
Mr Blackall is an accredited air attack supervisor with the DSE, directing aircraft when water bombing and laying retardant.
The role also involves relaying information on fire behaviour to on-ground operational firefighters.
