Australia Fires: Military To Be Deployed To Help Rescue Effort (BBC)

[appalachiablue]

BBC News, 9 hrs. ago. Australian military aircraft and vessels will be deployed to help emergency services in the fire-ravaged states of New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria.

Thousands of people fled to beaches in the south-eastern states on Tuesday as emergency-level fires spread. In Mallacoota, Victoria, about 4,000 people sought shelter on the coast.

Two more people have been confirmed dead in NSW, bringing the fire-linked death toll to 12. Authorities say four people are missing in Victoria and another in NSW.

"We've got literally hundreds, thousands of people up and down the coast, taking refuge on the beaches," said Shane Fitzsimmons, commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Mr Fitzsimmons said it was "the worst fire season we have experienced here in NSW".

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds have agreed to send military aircraft and vessels at the request of the Victorian government...

Read More, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50956318

[dewsgirl]

1. How absolutely devastating💔

[BigmanPigman]

2. Why did they wait so long to deploy them.

That is one thing we have changed when handling fires and emergencies in the US...call the military for help. They not only have the manpower but they have the machinery to carry water and fire retardants.

[appalachiablue]

3. My guess is 'cost' but I have no expert knowledge. Should have

done this days ago..

[SunSeeker]

4. Horrific.

[appalachiablue]

5. kick