Bendigo firefighter returns from five-week Oregon wildfire deployment
Braden Pearce, a firefighter from Bendigo, spent about five weeks in Oregon helping residents escape major wildfires.
Braden Pearce, a firefighter from Bendigo, was sent to Oregon in July 2026. Braden Pearce worked there for about five weeks in firefighting roles.
Braden Pearce helped residents threatened by major wildfires. The Oregon fires started in May and burned more than two million acres.
They burned much like Victoria's Harcourt fire from January 2026. His Australian accent helped break down doubt when he spoke with residents on their property.
'To hear another accent probably breaks down some of those get off my property type things,' Pearce said. It opened talks that let him give more help.
At least one person died in the Oregon fires. Firefighting still continues.
- July 2026
- Deployment month
- About five weeks
- Duration
- More than two million
- Acres burned
- 22nd year of firefighting
- Pearce's experience
Why it mattersThis shows Australian fire expertise helps other countries during big emergencies.
AustraliaVictorian firefighters continue to support North American wildfire efforts, drawing on lessons from Australia's own devastating fire season to help protect overseas communities.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 d ago
