Bureau of Indian Affairs Sends Seven Wildland Firefighters to Australia

By Native News Online Staff - January 08, 2020 at 10:25PM

Australia fires NPR photo

Published January 8, 2020

WASHINGTON — Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Tara Katuk Sweeney Wednesday announced in December, the Bureau of Indian Affairs sent wildland fire personnel abroad for the first time to combat the wildfires in Australia. Since December, so far 95 firefighters from DOI and the USFS have been deployed at the request of the Australian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council. Of these, seven employees with the Bureau of Indian Affairs have deployed.

“The loss of life, property and environment are devastating in Australia,” said U.S. Secretary David Bernhardt. “The United States stands with our partners, and we will continue to support Australia in sending our world class personnel to contain these blazes and help protect Australian communities and wildlife.”

John Szulc is one of seven Bureau of Indian Affairs employees selected to support Australia’s bushfires. Photo from Facebook

The U.S., Australia and New Zealand have been exchanging fire assistance for more than 15 years as the Australian and New Zealand personnel filled critical needs during peak wildfire season in the United States. The last time the U.S sent firefighters to Australia was in 2010.

The team’s work, and success, made a significant contribution to the San Carlos Agency this fire season, and led to discussions about the BIA developing its own Type 3 finance section capable of supporting any BIA regional office or agency, or tribal or interagency partner.  Going forward, the section anticipates being able to provide training opportunities to improve fire finance capabilities throughout Indian Country.

 

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