South Australia’s firefighting community is once again stepping up, with 25 Country Fire Service (CFS) firefighters and incident management personnel deploying to Western Australia to help battle ongoing bushfires.
The deployment comes as Western Australia continues to face severe fire conditions following an intense heatwave and prolonged fire activity. With around 50 active bushfires burning across the state, the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services has formally requested interstate support.
Dry fuels, gusty winds and rapidly changing fireground conditions have escalated the situation, with evacuation orders issued for some communities. In response, South Australia’s CFS is sending a highly skilled contingent of both volunteers and staff to assist on the ground.
The group will depart Adelaide today, travelling to Perth before being deployed to bushfire-affected areas in Western Australia’s Mid West region. The deployment is expected to last up to seven days.
Among those heading west are volunteers and staff from brigades across the state, including Concordia, Clarendon, Oakbank/Balhannah, Hahndorf, Coromandel Valley, Summertown, Cherry Gardens, Roseworthy, Tea Tree Gully, Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend and multiple regional operations teams, alongside CFS staff members.
CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin said the deployment reflects both the strength of South Australia’s emergency services and the importance of interstate cooperation during major emergencies.
“The South Australian community should be proud of the dedicated service provided by our highly skilled firefighters in supporting our Western Australian neighbours,” he said.
“Opportunities such as these not only support our interstate partner agencies, but they also provide invaluable experiences for our personnel, who can then utilise any new skills gained here in South Australia.
“We are proud to deploy our CFS members to WA to support the community during this challenging period, while remaining prepared to respond to emergencies at home.”
Emergency Services Minister Rhiannon Pearce also acknowledged the commitment of the firefighters heading interstate.
“I want to wish this contingent of South Australian firefighters the very best as they come to the aid of their interstate colleagues fighting fires throughout Western Australia,” she said.
“The whole of South Australia is proud of them and wishes them a safe return once these fires are under control.”
This marks the second time in 2025 that South Australian CFS personnel have been deployed to Western Australia. Earlier this year, firefighters were sent to the Pilbara region to assist in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia.
As bushfire conditions continue to challenge communities across the country, the deployment highlights the vital role of cooperation, experience and shared resources in protecting lives, property and landscapes – and the quiet dedication of those who answer the call.
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