I know NZ have sent a couple of crews and some much needed equipment including a water chopper.
I would imagine that US crews would be coming if they're not already here. There's usually a bit of quid pro quo. I know we usually send crews when you lot have fires.
ETA:
Quote:
US fire experts heading for Victoria
10/02/2009 9:18:00 AM
A contingent of senior US fire personnel is expected to land in Victoria within 48 hours after an SOS call from the Australian government.
About 35 American firefighting operation chiefs, aviation managers, planning section chiefs and specialists in land rehabilitation will fly to Australia.
"Australia and New Zealand have been wonderful neighbours and provided help in our time of need and we are happy to return that help," US National Interagency Fire Center spokesman Don Smurthwaite said.
Australia, New Zealand and US firefighting agencies have a close working relationship and have participated in exchange programs in recent years.
On the weekend Australian and US government officials held informal discussions about calling on American fire personnel.
A formal request for assistance is expected Monday.
It is expected once the formal request is issued it will take about 48 hours to have the US contingent on the ground in Australia.
The deployment will not include firefighters to be used on the fire fronts.
"The positions will be mostly leadership and supervisory in nature," Smurthwaite said.
"We won't be sending firefighters at this point."
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