Aussies ready to battle US wildfires

More than 70 firefighters will make their way to the United States to help American counterparts battle more than 100 wildfires across the country.

The group leaves for Idaho from Sydney Airport on Sunday and includes 20 officers from Victoria, 18 from NSW, nine from WA, four from ACT, three from South Australia, two from Queensland and 15 from New Zealand.

Once in Idaho, crews will be directed to areas experiencing large wildfires burning out of control across California, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, North Carolina, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Washington.

The experienced contingent will fulfil specialist leadership and field-based roles, including heavy machinery operators, task force leaders, divisional supervisors, aerobes managers, safety officers and strike team leaders.

They are expected to remain in the US for up to five weeks.