Firefighters return from Victoria

Dozens of family members, friends and well-wishers greeted the 49 New Zealand firefighters returning from battling raging bushfires in Victoria this afternoon at Christchurch International Airport.

They were greeted by cheers and clapping and people holding banners with messages of welcome and support. A media contingent of film crews and local journalists was also there for the arrival of the Air Force Hercules that transported the men.

Burnt firefighter Nick McCabe, of Nelson, was accompanied by his partner, Jan Sellers. His face was smeared with white burns cream and his right hand swathed in bandages but he and others took time to step aside from the crowd to speak to local media.

- NZPA