Two experienced firefighters from Forestry Corporation have deployed to assist with the escalating wildfire emergency in Alberta, Canada.

Australian assistance to Canada forms part of an international support effort to help authorities manage severe fire conditions that have threatened communities across the province.

A deployment of 54 NSW firefighting specialists have departed Sydney to support Canadian authorities battling more than 200 wildfires across the country, which have already burned over 2.3 million hectares. 

Forestry Corporation’s Matt Model of Bonny Hills will take up the position of Divisional Supervisor and Joel Dawson from Eden the position of Safety Officer taking their expertise in bushfire suppression and incident management to the frontlines.

Joel is undertaking his first firefighting deployment to Canada.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to head over and assist the Canadian wild firefighters,” Joel said.

“I look forward to working with other forestry and fire agencies in Alberta and seeing a different forest to what I work in every day,” he said.

Matt returns to Canada having completed a 42-day firefighting deployment there two years ago.  

“I’m pretty lucky to be given a second call up to represent Forestry Corporation of NSW and Australia on another firefighting deployment to assist our friends in Canada in what’s shaping up to be another big fire season across the provinces,” Matt said.

“Being deployed in 2023 as an arduous firefighter was a great experience and now being deployed as a Divisional Commander is a big step up into a new experience, but I am excited for the opportunity and experience.

“Thank you to all of my friends and family for the support especially Teneale, my partner,” he said.

The deployment follows a formal request for assistance through international firefighting agreements and highlights the strong collaboration between Australia and Canada in emergency response.

The firefighters will be based in Alberta for four weeks, working in challenging conditions alongside local and international crews.

Forestry Corporation continues to support bushfire preparedness and response efforts both at home and abroad, ensuring its fire specialists are ready to assist wherever they are needed most.