Eric Zanotto has had more than 25 years firefighting experience in the United States. In the six weeks he has been in Australia, Eric has faced the most intense fires of his career.
The American had been stationed south-west of Sydney when a catastrophic fire tore through the area mid-December.
“The sheer magnitude of what was happening on those days across the entire country I think was pretty unprecedented,” he said.
As out of control fires raged around around Balmoral and Bargo, Eric and his Australian colleagues were running out of resources.
Volunteer firefighter Brad Snowden and US firefighter Eric Zonotto have been working together. Source: Dateline
“Basically from Victoria all the way up to Queensland we were kind of competing for resources,” he said.
“There was one point when we just ran out of water.
“We felt defeated.”
Despite their efforts the day ended in tragedy. The two firefighters died.
“It was absolutely heartbreaking to get that news,” he said.
“It was really a gut-wrenching moment. Pretty much every day...I have thoughts of that day.
“I think it's remembered every day when we go out.”
Eric is one of the international in Australia. NSW alone has 55 American and 66 Canadian firefighters supporting RFS efforts. The firefighters are performing a range of roles to provide support and relief for local staff.
Brad Snowden is a volunteer firefighter for RFS and has been on the frontlines every day for about a month. With his wife, kids and parents at home on his dairy farm, Brad is fatigued.
Working with Eric, he says the support of international firefighters has eased pressure and has even helped temper emotions when fires are at their worse.
Chuck Russell will be away from his family for more than 30 days. Source: Dateline
“They keep it real and it makes a massive difference,” he said.
“Their knowledge is amazing. They don’t tell us what to do but they guide us, which makes a real difference.”
Chuck Russell is in charge of organising US firefighters in NSW, he holds a high-ranking position in Alaska -- a role similar to that of the NSW RFS Commissioner.
“The US has an agreement now with Canada and Australia at the federal level, so that we can move resources back and forth easier,” he said.
“As we continue to get fire seasons that are unprecedented like this one, we can combine resources from across oceans.”
Since he arrived in Australia just after New Year’s, he has been to Sydney airport to greet US firefighters more than four times.
International firefighters are sent out for at least 30 days, which Chuck says is a significant sacrifice, especially over the holiday period. As well, work at home builds up as firefighters miss out on off-season bushfire preparation.
Burnt-out property after the Green Wattle Creek Fire. Source: AAP
“It's something that we need to slow down and think about the toll that it takes on a family when we are gone for a 30-day assignment,” he said.
Chuck has five kids and a wife at home.
“By the time I get home with travel it will be 36 days that I'm away from them.”
Despite the commitment, Chuck says all the firefighters are glad to be in the country to help. He adds that there has been overwhelming thanks from Australian public and firefighting staff. A video of Australian’s applauding international firefighters at the airport has gone viral and is just one example of expressions of gratitude.
International firefighters have been supporting both volunteer and salaried Australian firefighters. Source: Getty
“I went to purchase a meal just the other day and somebody wanted to purchase it for me. Different things like that are continuing to happen.”
