Members of the Bunbury Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade teamed up with volunteers from across Western Australia to help fight the New South Wales bushfires earlier this month.
Bunbury VBFB captain Terri Kowal and volunteers Marie Laporte and Blair Fisher were deployed as part of Strike Team Charlie on Wednesday, November 6.
Based in Yarrowitch, the team assisted NSW fire crews, protected homes, battled multiple fires, built containment lines, and conducted burn offs.
The group also paid their respects during the Walcha Remembrance Day Service.
Ms Kowal said they were forced to overcome several hurdles along the way.
"We faced some very challenging conditions - it was reasonably warm and very windy over there," she said.
"In addition, their vehicles, resources etc. are completely different compared to what we have here."
She and the other volunteers were left stunned by the destruction caused by the fires.
They were also impressed by the locals' determination and generosity.
"We met a lot of amazing people and made a lot of new friends. The camaraderie was really great," she said.
"While we were over there, we all greatly supported one another. We went over there as strangers, and returned as friends.
"The locals were all really appreciative of our efforts. A lot of them were very emotional."
Strike Team Delta and Bunbury VBFB volunteer Michelle Guerin completed their last day of deployment on Saturday, November 16.
Head to rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me for any further updates regarding the fires.
