We're Sending 200 Extra Firefighters To Help Battle Queensland Blazes

More than 200 volunteer firefighters from New South Wales and the ACT are heading north to Queensland to join existing crews in the fight to contain major blazes across the state.

Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant said it will provide some much-needed relief.

“This contingent includes 66 officers from the NSW RFS as well as 34 from the ACT RFS," he said.

“Sixty-seven volunteer firefighters will depart from Canberra Airport, and 33 will leave from Dubbo City Regional Airport this morning.”

Minister Grant said over the past week, NSW firefighters and specialist personnel have been working in very challenging conditions.

“Despite the difficult situation, they have performed exceptionally well, doing important work in Queensland both on the frontline protecting communities, and in positions of analysis, investigation and aviation,” he added.

“The NSW community should be incredibly proud of their commitment and professional approach to the immense task at hand”.

Over the past few days, all four of the Large Air Tankers (LATs) based in NSW have also assisted the firefighting effort in Queensland, along with 25 vehicles.