More NZ firefighters going to US to battle wildfires

Eight more New Zealander firefighters are heading to America tomorrow to help battle devastating uncontrolled wildfires.

National Rural Fire Officer Murray Dudfeild said the officers were heading to North West States where the wild fire season was threatening to rival previous devastating years.

The officers were being deployed to help manage firefighters and aircrafts.

There were currently 76 uncontrolled large wildfires, which had destroyed more than 3.4 million hectares, Mr Dudfield said.

"With forecasted weather conditions indicating continued strong winds at times and dry thunder storms this will continue to hampering firefighting efforts."

The eight fire officers would be replacing New Zealanders who would return home on September 18, after 38 days fighting fires.

Fourteen firefighters from Australia would join them, he said.

It was the third request the USA National Interagency Fire Centre in Idaho had made for New Zealand officers, he said.

New Zealand had supplied 28 fire managers to date.

- NZPA