Fighting bushfires in Victoria left Kiwi firefighter Barrie Hunt in intensive care, but he says he would not hesitate to go back and help the Australians in the midst of their worst natural disaster.
Mr Hunt still has vivid memories of when fire swept over him and fellow
New Zealand firefighters trying to drive back flames in the parched state in 2006, and he can imagine the horrors of the tragedy that has claimed more than 130 victims.
A Department of Conservation high-country firefighter in Canterbury, Mr Hunt had to be resuscitated three times by a fellow firefighter on the way to hospital after he was hit by the flames on a hilltop near Mansfield, two hours' drive from Melbourne.
"I can absolutely take myself back to the day. I can hear the sound of that fire, I can smell the smoke. It was like a freight train," Mr Hunt told the Herald.
"As a team, the Department of Conservation would definitely [go back] if they were asked.
"I would be one of the first people to stand in line and put my hand up ...
It's not as brave as what they are going through themselves over there."
Mr Hunt is now fully recovered from the burns, including those to his throat, suffered in 2006.
He said the fire had approached the group of firefighters with such speed, there was no escape.
"It just goes over the top and grabs everything in its path, and just keeps eating like a big munching machine."
Nothing in New Zealand could match the bushfires in Australia. "The fires over there are just immense."
New Zealand's Red Cross and Salvation Army are accepting donations for those affected by the fires in Victoria.
Red Cross: Donations can be made by visiting redcross.org.nz, calling 0900 33 200 to make an automatic $20 donation, sending a cheque to Australian Bushfire Appeal, Red Cross House, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington, 6144, or by visiting any Red Cross service centre.
Salvation Army: Donate online at salvationarmy.org.nz or post to The Salvation Army, PO Box 27001, Marion Square, Wellington, 6164.
