LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Six Nevada Bureau of Land Management employees are assisting firefighting efforts in Australia as deadly wildfires spread across the country.
The fires sparked in September, burning over 12 million acres of land, scorching over 1,500 homes and killing over 20 people.
The BLM says two Nevada employees are currently in Australia and four are already en route, one of whom left Southern Nevada early this morning.
Those deployed from the state are:
- An Acting Fire Management Officer for Battle Mountain District serving as an Air Tactical Supervisor.
- An Air Tanker Base Manager for Battle Mountain District serving as an Air Tanker Base Manager and offering aviation assistance.
- A Fuels Program Manager for Carson City District serving as a Plans Chief.
- An Assistant Superintendent for the Silver State Hotshots serving as an Aerial Tactical Supervisor.
- A Fire Helicopter Supervisor for Elko District serving as a Task Force Leader and Crewmember.
- A Engine Captain for Southern Nevada District serving as a Task Force Leader and Crewmember.
The Sonoma County Fire District recently juxtaposed a map of Australia's fires with a map of the United States, revealing the massive scale of Australia's numerous wildfires.
RELATED: The scale of Australia's fires compared to map of United States gives frightening perspective
This morning the New South Wales Rural Fire Service shared an update on Twitter, saying at 4 a.m. there were still 130 fires burning across NSW, the southeastern Australian state where Sydney is located.
Stay with 13 Action News for updates on the deadly fires in Australia as Nevada BLM employees assist with the firefighting efforts.
