Bush fire fighting team welcomed home

A Defence Force team fresh from fighting Victoria's bush fires will be welcomed home in Wellington this afternoon.

The crew was part of the first New Zealand contingent to spend three weeks helping to battle the deadly blazes which claimed more than 200 lives in the Australian state.

Commander of Joint Forces Major General Rhys Jones says New Zealand was able to send professional crews thanks to the combined efforts of various agencies. He says the Defence Force crew faced a challenging situation in Victoria, but training and teamwork helped to make them a valuable part of the contingent.

- Newstalk ZB