It was a sombre goodbye for the 32 US and Canadian firefighters who are heading home after battling blazes across NSW this summer. NSW Emergency Services Minister David Elliott and NSW Rural Fire Seervice Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons on Friday farewelled the 24 Canadian and eight US firefighters who have been helping NSW crews for the past 35 days. Mr Elliott thanked the crews for their contribution in what will be remembered as one of the 'darkest summers' in NSW. 'We will be forever indebted to the enormous contributions and ultimate sacrifice that's been paid by these extraordinary individuals,' he said. Alaska region fire management officer Chuck Russell said the extreme fire weather and behaviour in NSW was surprising for firefighters.

Source: Daily Mail January 24, 2020 01:45 UTC