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New Zealand firefighters were honoured for their work in the United States today.
Trade Minister Phil Goff was presented with an engraved firefighting axe and commemorative plaque in Washington by Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.
New Zealand firefighters, along will colleagues from Australia, Canada and Mexico, helped fight forest fires in the United States in 2006.
"The two Secretaries expressed their strong appreciation for the assistance given to the United States by New Zealand through its firefighters on repeated occasions," Mr Goff said.
"Our willingness to assist at a time of need is seen as evidence of our friendship, and the close relationship between the two countries. New Zealand has a mutual assistance arrangement with the US, which covers the provision of specialist wildfire fighting capability when required."
New Zealand sent 29 firefighters to the Pacific Northwest of the US last year -- the fourth contingent sent since 2000. Fires have destroyed over 9 million hectares of forest and scrubland in the US in recent years.
Mr Goff said New Zealand firefighters picked up useful experience and knowledge during the deployment and the US was committed to giving reciprocal support if needed.
- NZPA
