Shoalhaven RFS group officer Andrew Fielding was one of 55 specialists from across NSW fire agencies who will join the Australian and New Zealand deployment to the US. 

The fires have already killed six people, destroyed 500 homes and burnt more than 375,000 hectares, and Mr Fielding said he was honoured to be part of Australia’s assisting contingent. 

“It’s a privilege but I’m nervous, scared, and excited,” he said. 

While Mr Fielding is not yet sure of what roles he will undertake, the contingent will include divisional commanders, heavy plant supervisors, air base managers, safety officers and sector leaders who will help the thousands of US firefighters. 

“Whatever they want me to do, I’ll do,” Mr Fielding said. “I’m there to help people in whatever way I can.” 

Mr Fielding, who was part of the Australian contingent that helped extinguish bushfires in Canada last year, said the fires burning in the United States looked worse. 

“I think there’s a lot more and they’re a lot bigger than what we saw in Canada,” he said. 

The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council’s National Resource Sharing Centre is facilitating the deployment of Australian and New Zealand personnel after the US fire authorities made a formal request for assistance. 

Mr Fielding received a call asking if he could help on Monday, and jumped at the opportunity.

“I joined the RFS in January 1972,” he said. 

“When I was a young boy and I saw the red truck driving by the house with the sirens on I was impressed. 

“People say I do a lot for people but I get a lot more out of doing it.” 

Personnel from the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, and Forestry Corporation of NSW will join their interstate colleagues as part of the 188 strong Australian and New Zealand contingent.

Mr Fielding will be overseas for about 42 days, but doesn’t know exactly where he will be based at this stage. 

“That’s all part of the excitement,” he said. 

While he’s nervous, Mr Fielding said his family and friends had all been very supportive. 

“My son and my daughter are both very proud of me, they think it’s wonderful,” he said.