Australia declines emergency assistance from Danish fire services
A Danish offer to send 50 firefighters to assist in putting out disastrous bushfires in Australia has been turned down.
Earlier this week the Danish national fire service, Beredskabsstyrelsen, confirmed it was speaking to authorities in Australia over ways in which it could help with the ongoing natural disaster, which has resulted in 26 confirmed deaths and the loss millions of animals and hectares of forest.
Specifically, Denmark offered to send 50 of its firefighters down under to lend a hand during the disaster.
Australia has now expressed its appreciation for the offer but decided to turn down the Danish assistance, DR reports.
That decision was confirmed by Defence Minister Trine Bramsen in a joint press statement.
“We have received a warm thanks for the offer, but Danish firefighters won’t be sent on any mission for the time being. That is currently not the what is wanted on the part of the Australians,” Bramsen said.
“The local authorities are best placed to assess the circumstances and their needs at the current time,” the minister explained, adding that the Danish offer stands should it be needed at a later stage.
Australian Ambassador to Denmark MaryEllen Miller said in the press statement that Australia is well equipped and organized for fighting the bushfires.
“Our warmest thanks go to all of Denmark for your thoughts and support,” she also said.
READ ALSO: Australian-themed bar in Denmark faces backlash for 'news-jacking' bushfires
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Earlier this week the Danish national fire service, Beredskabsstyrelsen, confirmed it was speaking to authorities in Australia over ways in which it could help with the ongoing natural disaster, which has resulted in 26 confirmed deaths and the loss millions of animals and hectares of forest.
Specifically, Denmark offered to send 50 of its firefighters down under to lend a hand during the disaster.
Australia has now expressed its appreciation for the offer but decided to turn down the Danish assistance, DR reports.
That decision was confirmed by Defence Minister Trine Bramsen in a joint press statement.
“We have received a warm thanks for the offer, but Danish firefighters won’t be sent on any mission for the time being. That is currently not the what is wanted on the part of the Australians,” Bramsen said.
“The local authorities are best placed to assess the circumstances and their needs at the current time,” the minister explained, adding that the Danish offer stands should it be needed at a later stage.
Australian Ambassador to Denmark MaryEllen Miller said in the press statement that Australia is well equipped and organized for fighting the bushfires.
“Our warmest thanks go to all of Denmark for your thoughts and support,” she also said.
READ ALSO: Australian-themed bar in Denmark faces backlash for 'news-jacking' bushfires
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