American firefighters got a heartwarming welcome at the airport as they arrived to help battle Australia’s deadly fires.
When the group with members from the United States walked by the travelers cheered and clapped for them.
Watch the incident below!
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Video credit: Rumble
Sean Snyder who is an assistant fire management officer for the US Forest Service in Talladega, Alabama, was part of the group, along with his wife, Autumn Snyder, who said she was “very humbled” by the response.
“It’s so refreshing and gratifying to see them be welcomed and appreciated,” she said. Sean volunteered for the assignment, which will last at least 30 days, his wife said.
His wife said that Sean was excited after being chosen and she thinks it will be challenging for their family. “We are a public service family and believe in doing all the good we can,” Autumn Snyder said. “We are super proud of the work he is doing over there.”
The Forest Service says Australia and New Zealand have been sending firefighters to the United States for more than 15 years. A federal spokeswoman said 138 arrived in August 2018. In 2010, US firefighters worked in Australia.
The dangerous spring blazes have burnt through almost two million hectares in New South Wales and Queensland alone. Blazes have caused so much damage to homes in the outer suburbs and thick plumes of smoke have blanketed the urban center. A total of 28 people across Australia have died this fire period, including several volunteer firefighters.
The military has sent troops, ships and aircraft to the region to help relocation and firefighting efforts. An estimated 25,000 koalas were killed when flames destroyed Kangaroo Island in the state of South Australia.
Australia has always had bushfires but this season has been a lot worse than normal. The deadliest bushfire disaster of Australia was “Black Saturday” in February 2009, when 180 people died in Victoria.
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