- Latest News
- Find Your Local/Contract
- New Member Orientation
- At The Bargaining Table
- Member Discounts
- Meetings/Events Calendar
- The Source
MGEU Welcomes Home Firefighters from Australia
The wildfires tearing through Australia are an unprecedented national disaster. At least 26 people have died, along with millions of animals, while nearly 15 million acres have burned and more than 2,000 homes have been destroyed since October.
Jan 10, 2020
Two dedicated firefighting experts from Manitoba Conservation, who were helping to fight the wildfires burning in Australia, returned home yesterday.
Andrew Prokopchuk and Gerry Rosset were greeted by family at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport after a 38-day stint helping Australian officials with the continuing firefight in South Wales, about 200 kilometres south of Sydney.
“They have given so much of themselves at a time when others halfway across the globe so desperately needed their help,” said President Gawronsky. “They missed the holidays with their family and friends. I hope they both get some downtime to reflect on the past weeks and catch up with their families.”
Prokopchuck and Rosset were part of a Canadian contingent of 21 firefighters sent early in December. Three other Manitoba-based firefighters are still in Australia battling the fires.
“We thank all of the firefighters who have travelled to Australia in very dangerous conditions to help where they can. On behalf of all MGEU members, thank you for your hard work, thank you for representing our province, and welcome home.”
The wildfires tearing through Australia are an unprecedented
national disaster. At least 26 people have died, along with millions of
animals, while nearly 15 million acres have burned and more than 2,000 homes
have been destroyed since October.