A Heathcote man is among Forest Fire Management Victoria and CFA firefighters helping battle forest fires in northern California that have caused widespread destruction.
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FFM Victoria’s Pat McCarthy last week left for the United States, where he is working as a field liaison officer, based in the Californian capital of Sacramento.
This sees him responsible for co-ordinating travel, safety and systems for the 33 Victorian firefighters deployed to California.
Victorian fire agencies have a reciprocal agreement with the US.
"The Americans have assisted us previously in Victoria during the Black Saturday bushfires so this is a great opportunity for Forest Fire Management Victoria to support our overseas friends and colleagues in their time of need,” FFM Victoria regional manager Loddon Mallee Allyson Lardner said.
Ms Lardner said the partnership allowed for the exchange of personnel, resources, knowledge, skill, and mutual support in times of emergency.
Mr McCarthy will remain in the US as long as he is needed.