Forestry Corporation of NSW, Media Release, 6 February 2026
Forestry Corporation of NSW has deployed 10 firefighters to South Australia to support firefighting operations following several weeks of assistance in Victoria.
Forestry Corporation, one of NSW’s four firefighting agencies, has more than 500 trained firefighters on staff, who work to protect State forests and regularly assist interstate and international fire authorities.
In recent weeks, Forestry Corporation deployed 20 firefighters to Victoria to assist with the Walwa River Road fire in both Field and Incident Management (IMT) positions.
An additional four staff assisted in the IMT at Seymour in the state’s south.
Forestry Corporation’s Fire Training and Operations Coordinator Nathan Fischer said with conditions now escalating in South Australia, crews are again on the move.
“These deployments really demonstrate the strength of NSW’s joint firefighting capability,” Mr Fischer said.
“Across NSW we work side-by-side with our partner fire agencies every day and that close collaboration means we can respond quickly and effectively when incidents emerge whether they’re here at home or interstate.
“Forestry Corporation crews continue to work incredibly hard to keep our own estate safe, but just as importantly, to support our neighbours and the broader community when the need arises. I’m proud of our people who consistently step up at short notice, integrate seamlessly with multi-agency teams, and bring their skills and professionalism wherever they’re needed,” he said.
Among those deploying is South Coast–based Strategic Projects and Programs Leader Brendan Grimson, who will serve as a Crew Leader and bring extensive operational experience to the team.
“My role on this deployment is to ensure our crews stay safe and maintain strong situational awareness as we work in a new landscape,” Mr Grimson said.
“Fire behaviour, fuels and terrain can be very different interstate, so staying alert to changing conditions is critical.”
In his current role, Brendan is supporting the implementation of the Fire, Country and People program where Forestry Corporation is working with Aboriginal communities in NSW to strengthen cultural and community-based fire management.
He said deployments like this highlight the strength and flexibility of Forestry Corporation’s firefighting workforce.
“We have highly trained staff in over 20 towns and cities across NSW who can respond quickly when needed. Whether it’s protecting our own State forests or supporting our neighbours, we’re ready to step in.”
North Coast-based Forestry Worker Grace Bolton is undertaking her first interstate deployment in South Australia since gaining her national firefighting accreditation and will work in a team of firefighters under the guidance of a Crew Leader.
“This has been my first fire season, which has been super exciting and South Australia is my third deployment so far this season,” Miss Bolton said.
“It has been an experience for sure, straight into the action responding to spot overs, putting in containment lines and spending a lot of time on the hose working hard work to protect assets.
“I’ve volunteered to go to South Australia to help both the community and environment, which is currently fire affected.
Forestry Corporation’s firefighters will integrate into the South Australian fire incident management teams and are expected to remain on deployment for several days, depending on conditions.
To find out more about Forestry Corporation go to www.forestrycorporation.com.au.
