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Key Points
- Over 11,700 hectares of land have burnt and five people have been confirmed dead in the Californian fires.
- Senator Jenny McAllister said the government is yet to receive any requests for help from the US.
- Australia and the US have a long history of firefighting cooperation.
The blazes have also caused a “high number” of significant injuries, power outages, closures of schools, and cancellation of film premieres and other significant events.
“We actually had personnel in the US over the course of 2024, and of course, we’ve received great benefit from US personnel coming to Australia in previous years as well,” McAllister said.
Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the US and Australia have a long history of firefighting cooperation. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
An arrangement between Australian and US emergency services bodies signed in 2017 means either can request frontline assistance from the other.
Asked how Australia could spare firefighting resources during its own bushfire season, McAllister said she would assess any calls for assistance against local needs.
In the last federal budget, the government allocated an additional $35 million over two years to the National Aerial Firefighting Centre, which coordinates the specialised fleet of aircraft.
With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.
