A strike team was deployed from Orange Regional Airport this week to offer support to firefighters who have battled blazes in the north of the state for months.
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The 26 member group, which includes 15 Canobolas Zone firefighters, flew to Casino to offer assistance in controlling more than 20 fires in the Northern Rivers District.
In addition to the officers, drivers and chainsaw operators from the Canobolas Zone, Strike Team RW19-01 is made up men and women from the South West Slopes Zone and Mid Lachlan Valley Team.
Canobolas Zone District Officer Lachlan Allan said the men and women possess a wide range of experience, which will be put to use over the next three days while they take over from the firefighters currently in the field.
The causes are under investigation,
- District Officer Lachlan Allan
“The northern region of the Northern Rivers District have been battling fires since late June and they’ve been hit hard,” he said.
“This team have been flown up to jump on trucks and give the locals a break.”
Mr Allan said while it is possible some of the fires were caused by lightning strikes and burning off, the origin of the 55 fires burning mostly along the coast of NSW was not yet known.
“The causes are under investigation,” Mr Allan said.
Around 350 firefighters were in the field on Wednesday, supported by 31 aircraft.
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