Aussie firefighters to battle US wildfires

A team of 188 Australian and New Zealand firies are heading to northern California, Oregon and Washington to help tackle the wildfires that have so far killed six people, destroyed 500 homes and burnt more than 375,000 hectares across 14 states.

The contingent includes nearly 60 NSW firefighters and 12 from Queensland with Victoria and South Australia yet to decide how many personnel they will send.

No crews from Western Australian or the Northern Territory will be heading overseas.

The Australian and New Zealand group is due to fly to the US on Friday to help the thousands of American firefighters battling about 90 fires and will remain stateside for up to six weeks.

NSW Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant and his Queensland counterpart Craig Crawford say the firefighters know all too well the devastation bushfires cause.

They have sent their thoughts and prayers to the all those affected by the destructive fires in the US.

It's not the first time Australian specialists have done this - more than 100 firefighters supported their Canadian colleagues during the British Colombia wildfires in 2017.

"NSW's specialists are highly trained and have experience dealing with the type of fires that are currently threatening the US west coast," Mr Grant said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The request to have them help out is a testament to their professionalism, training and expertise."

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said the specialists from his state were providing "critical" assistance.

"I am confident that our efforts will provide some welcome relief to all the firefighters tirelessly battling these fires," Mr Crawford said in a statement.

Victoria's Emergency Services Minister James Merlino thanked the Australians and New Zealanders who are heading to the US to provide support.

Australian Associated Press