Batemans Bay firefighter Phil Eberle arrived in the US last weekend – but the hard-working Fire and Rescue member isn’t taking a holiday.
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Phil is one of 13 Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters joining more than 100 specialists from Australia and New Zealand in California to battle wildfires.
The United States National Multi-Agency Coordination Group requested the international assistance.
NSW Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant said the request for help from Australian fire specialists was: "A testament to their professionalism, training and expertise.”
The 17 major wildfires burning across California prompted US President Donald Trump on Sunday to declare a "major disaster" in the state.
President Trump ordered federal funding be made available to help recovery efforts.
One of those – the Mendocino Complex Fire – is the fifth largest in California’s history, officials said on Sunday.