Kiwi firefighters off to help Australian colleagues

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Weary Australian firefighters will soon be able to take a break as help makes its way across the Tasman.

Fire forces from throughout Australia have been rotating through Victoria while battling numerous fires.

National Rural Fire Officer Murray Dudfield said the Australian state is going through one of its longest and most intense heat waves.

He said some fires that have been burning for over a week are yet to be contained.

A group of 22 New Zealand firefighters leave today with another 22 set to leave on Monday.

National Rural Fire Officer Murray Dudfield said there are fires burning across Victoria and there has been little respite from the extreme hot weather.

"We're here to help our colleagues in Australia and there's people keen to get over there and take that role," said Mr Dudfield.