July 2015 Australia answered a request from Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) to send two liaison officers (Agency Representatives, AREPS) to Canada.  The task was to work with CIFFC to determine the support that could be offered to Canada during a time when resources were running out in the battle to control hundreds of forest fires across the country.  The request resulted in over 100 specialist forest fire fighters from Australia, and 17 from New Zealand, crossing the Pacific Ocean for an extended deployment into British Columbia and Alberta.  This was the second successive year that Australian fire fighters have travelled to Canada to provide support, and one of multiple deployments into North America over the last decade or more.

This session reflects on the work undertaken when deploying into other countries.  While the focus is on Australia and New Zealand there were five countries supporting the Canadians during the recent busy 2015 season; Australia, United States, Mexico, New Zealand and South Africa.  In a modern world where travel makes global fire suppression personnel much more accessible, the deployment of qualified, experienced and competent personnel is critical for the host countries and to ensure the safety of all involved.  This presentation will reflect on some of the challenges and lessons learnt during the recent deployment.  How are we preparing ourselves for a future where international fire fighting is becoming the ‘norm’?  How are agencies preparing, and how do individuals make themselves ready when the call comes?