More than 100 South Australian personnel to assist Victorian firefighting efforts
10/01/2026
South Australian firefighting personnel are being deployed to Victoria to support emergency services responding to multiple uncontrollable bushfires threatening communities, as more than 700 Victorian firefighters and interstate crews battle the blazes.
The deployment reflects strong national cooperation arrangements that allow emergency services to share resources when communities are under significant threat.
Approximately 150 personnel from the SA Country Fire Service (CFS), South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), Department for Environment and Water (DEW), SA Ambulance Service (SAAS), South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) and Fraser Fire and Rescue are being deployed to support firefighting and incident management operations in Victoria.
Around 110 of these personnel are from the SA Country Fire Service, including volunteer firefighters and Incident Management Team personnel, with 60 deploying this weekend and approximately 50 firefighters from the South East deployed to the Natimuk area near Horsham on Friday 9 January.
South Australian personnel will undertake frontline firefighting, incident management, planning, logistics and safety roles as part of the Victorian response.
South Australia has a long history of supporting interstate emergency efforts. In recent months, CFS volunteers and staff have been deployed to Western Australia to assist with disaster response operations.
These deployments demonstrate South Australia's ongoing commitment to supporting interstate partners during times of crisis, while ensuring the state remains ready to respond to incidents at home.
Quotes attributable to Rhiannon Pearce, Minister for Emergency Services
South Australians can be proud of our firefighters from across the various agencies who are giving up time with their families over the holiday period to support their interstate counterparts.
Victorian firefighters are being stretched due to the number of fires across that state and South Australia stands ready to support them through this difficult time.
I wish all our firefighters a safe trip and look forward to their return.
Quotes attributable to SA Country Fire Service Chief Officer Brett Loughlin AFSM
Emergency services are all in this together. There is a long-standing Australian tradition of interstate support, and South Australia has a proud history of standing alongside our colleagues when communities are under threat.
This deployment shows South Australia's ability to respond quickly and provide help wherever it is needed. We are proud to stand with our colleagues across the nation during these challenging conditions.
Our personnel bring a high level of capability and experience. The relationships we have with interstate agencies allow us to work together seamlessly when it matters most.
We are proud to send our CFS members to Victoria and support the community during this challenging time, while ensuring we remain ready to assist here at home.
Quotes attributable to Department for Environment and Water State Duty Officer Sam Sanderson
The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) is pleased to contribute to this contingent of firefighters heading interstate to support our Victorian colleagues.
Firefighters from DEW play an important role supporting the CFS and we are pleased to join them and other agencies to help Victorians who are experiencing significant fires across the state.
Quotes attributable to South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service Chief Officer Jeff Swann
The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) is proud to stand with our interstate colleagues when their communities are in need. Our support strengthens local operations and gives frontline crews the relief they need to keep communities safe.
Our firefighters understand the impact these events have on people and communities, and we are committed to supporting local crews by deploying highly trained personnel with extensive experience operating in dry, challenging conditions.
Quotes attributable to South Australian State Emergency Service Chief of Staff Derren Halleday
Our volunteers are always ready to step forward when communities need support, and we are proud to contribute to the interstate response in Victoria.
