NEW firefighting tactics and a better understanding of back-burning are some of the skills Country Fire Authority volunteers will take away from their deployment to New South Wales.
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About 60 volunteers spent three days on the fire ground in areas near Bell, Mount Wilson and Mount Victoria.
Strike team leader and Newstead deputy group officer Brett Stuchbree said the team undertook back-burning operations and that the experience would come in handy during this year's fire season.
"Victoria doesn't do as much back-burning as other places, so it's something we have experience in now," he said.
"We got to see different firefighting tactics and learn new skills.
"We also got a chance to be involved in the planning and instigation of operations which was great."
Mr Stuchbree said his team had fought in temperatures of 30 degrees, with 20 kilometre winds and a hilly landscape.
He said the team were "awesome" and said they had exceeded his expectations.
"You don't go away that distance without expecting to undertake some hard work," he said.
"Every hour is an hour you could be spending doing something to help out.
Every hour is an hour you could be spending doing something to help out.
- Brett Stuchbree
"They did the Bendigo district and Victoria proud."
Volunteer Tracy Stuart said she felt she had made a difference in NSW.
"The work we were doing was essential," she said.
"It helped to keep towns safe."
Ms Stuart, who left her husband Mark at home in Newstead, said she was looking forward to seeing him.
