Aussie fire experts to battle devastating US wildfires

One hundred of Australia's best and brightest bushfire experts boarded a plane this morning destined for the United States.

The team has been deployed for six weeks, and will be stationed at various locations to assist in what is fast becoming one of the country's most long-running and devastating natural disasters.

Wild fires have destroyed more than six million hectares, killed several people and destroyed thousands of homes.

New South Wales RFS Fire Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says the team is heading overseas to help relieve exhausted US crews both in the field and in management roles.

"It's not necessarily about front line firefighters. These are fire managers, fire specialists. We have got command and control, commanders in the field and divisional centres. We have got safety officers. We have got logistics officers."

This has been a protracted fire emergency, and with so many blazes still to be contained, American crews are feeling fatigued. Making matters worse, many of the fire affected regions are also in drought. Temperatures are record breaking and the landscape is tinder-dry.

Jeremy Stubbs from New South Wales Fire and Rescue is one of the experts selected for international deployment. He is looking forward to the challenge. "It's getting worse as we speak, so fingers crossed that when we get over there we will be able to provide them with some relief so that they can have a break from what they're doing."

Bronwyn Waters from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service specialises in coordinating firefighting aircraft, and understands only too well the importance of managing fatigue.

"They've been going a long time. They're extremely tired." It's the second time Bronwyn has been called overseas to offer specialist help.

"I went to Canada last year and it was amazing how differently they did things over there."

The hope is that our team of experts will also learn new skills and techniques which can be employed when they return to Australia for the start of our upcoming bushfire season.