New Zealand firefighters sent to fight California fires.

New Zealand Assistance Appreciated

U.S. Ambassador William McCormick today expressed his appreciation for the New Zealand rural firefighters who will travel to reinforce U.S. firefighters engaged in battling blazes that have consumed more than 273,400 hectares of forests and grasslands in California.

Ambassador McCormick praised the extraordinary abilities of the New Zealand firefighters and expressed his strong appreciation for the assistance they have provided to the United States on repeated occasions.

“The New Zealand reinforcements come at a time when, according to Governor Schwarzenegger, the firefighters are stretched thin, they’re exhausted, and some have gone days without sleep,” said Ambassador McCormick.

“The relationship between New Zealand and the United States continues to grow with every act of friendship — especially in instances like this. We are able to share with each other valuable experience and knowledge because our firefighters are trained to the same high standards and use a similar command system,” he added.