The New South Wales Rural Fire Service has used a billboard in New York's Times Square to thank their local and American volunteers.
"Imagine fighting a bushfire higher than this billboard," the sign reads. "Thank you to the brave Australian and US firefighters defending Australia. And to the world for your support."
One of those who helped out is Canterbury University student Fergus Simpson, who at 22 is one of the youngest New Zealanders to volunteer.
He was in the rural town of Tumut on a four month forestry internship when he was volunteered to help fight the fires.
Simpson has just arrived back from Australia and told RNZ reporter Eleisha Foon he had never experienced heat like it.
