Kiwi firefighters return from battling blazes in Canada

Large plumes of smoke over Canadian forest as firefighters battle flames. Photo: Supplied / Fire and Emergency

The first contingent of New Zealand firefighters battling blazes overseas have been welcomed home from Canada.

The seven-person team, known as the Alpha deployment, have been helping control hundreds of wildfires across British Columbia.

They have been filling specialist roles of helicopter coordinators, division supervisors, operations branch directors and agency liaisons.

The team left New Zealand on 21 July and arrived home on Saturday morning.

New Zealand firefighters in Canada helping fight fires. Photo: Supplied / Fire and Emergency

While Deputy National Commander Brendan Nally said the wildfire season was not as bad as last year, Canada still lost over 5 million hectares of land during its wildfire season, with more than 900 fires burning across the country.

"It's just beyond what we can imagine here in New Zealand."

National Commander Russell Wood said New Zealand had reciprocal agreements with several countries.

"International deployments provide valuable experience for our personnel that help build our capability to manage large wildfires at home," he said.

Smoke plumes cover the air as firefighters battle flames in Canada. Photo: Supplied / Fire and Emergency

Nally said that after many years of working with Canada and Australia, the three countries could share resources without issue.

"We've all got the same approach to command and control, the same equipment standards, et cetera."

Another contingent, a 21-person strike team known as the Bravo deployment, will return from Canada on 31 August.

Firefighters deal with hotspots in Canadian fire. Photo: Supplied / Fire and Emergency

Nally said that team was doing arduous work "so they're working in really rough conditions".

There was also a seven-person Zulu deployment in the United States for the first time since 2016, who will return on 10 September.

"The Canadian and Americans have reported back that they work incredibly hard with a great degree of skill, and they've contributed significantly, so I'm really proud of them."

"They've had a very busy fire season. They needed a hand, and we were able to help."