Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW), Media Release, 7 February 2025

Nine fire specialists from Forestry Corporation have deployed to Victorian firefronts as part of an interstate NSW firefighting contingency.

Victoria is currently experiencing significant bushfire activity near Horsham with large fires burning in the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks.

NSW fire agencies have assisted through the deployment of firefighters and Incident Management Team (IMT) personnel.

Four Forestry Corporation staff members responded on Saturday, February 1 and a further five Forestry Corporation fire specialists deployed on Thursday, February 6.

“While we have had fires in NSW and the threat especially in the south and the west is not over yet, it is important to share resources around the country when we can,” Forestry Corporation’s Senior Manager Fire and Natural Hazards Rebel Talbert said.

“Our firefighters are highly skilled and experienced in Australian bushland firefighting and are always ready to lend a hand in regional NSW or further afield.”

Group Leader Gary Miller from Wauchope deployed for seven days as an Operations Officer in the IMT at Ararat.

“We were there to give the local Victorian IMT personnel some time off as they have been fighting fires and overseeing the fire management since December with major efforts involved in the containment of the fires in the Grampians,” Gary said.

“It was great to assist our colleagues in Victoria, a great learning experience in training on the Victorian fire systems and a good opportunity to share fire knowledge across the multi-agency IMT.”

Gary deployed to Victoria alongside firefighters Hannah Mangnall from Casino, Bronson Lovett from Wauchope and Daniel Macaree and James Martin from Maitland.

A second deployment of firefighting field crew has arrived on firegrounds today and will work the fire lines in the Grampians for seven days.

This deployment is made up of Aden Hitchcock and David McLaughlin from Coffs Harbour, Paul Douglas from Wauchope and Daniel Carey from Taree.

Forestry Corporation’s nine personnel have deployed as part of the 200-strong NSW deployment alongside NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife, Fire and Rescue NSW and State Emergency Services personnel.

Find out more about Forestry Corporation’s firefighting operations at www.forestrycorporation.com.au.

Related story: Little Desert fires devastate local communities