Australia snubs offer from Denmark to send firefighters to battle the bushfires

Australia has snubbed an offer to send dozens of Danish firefighters to help battle the bushfires raging across the country.

More than 400 firefighters in Denmark have signed up to travel to Australia and lend a hand alongside crews from the U.S., New Zealand, and Canada.

Denmark’s Emergency Management Agency this week formally offered to immediately send an initial group of 50 volunteers.

Denmark’s Emergency Management Agency this week formally offered to immediately send an initial group of 50 volunteers (Danish firefighters pictured putting out a house fire)

However, the Australian government declined the offer despite firefighters being stretched thin by the unprecedented crisis.

‘We’ve received a warm thanks for the offer, but sending Danish firefighters here and now won’t be an option,’ Danish Defence Minister Trine Bramsen said.

‘There is no desire from the Australians at the moment.’

Australia’s ambassador to Denmark, Mark Ellen Miller, thanked the firefighters for their offer but insisted they were not required.

‘The bushfires are of unprecedented dimensions when it comes to the scale and the heartbreaking consequences, but fortunately Australia is really well equipped and organised to deal with the situation at this time,’ she said.

‘Our warmest thanks go out to all of Denmark for your thoughts and support.’ 

Ms Bramsen said as the Australian fire season can extend into April and May, the effort may be required later.

The Australian government declined the offer despite firefighters being stretched thin by the unprecedented crisis

Part-time firefighter Søren Elkrog, who organised the rally of his comrades, said the group would continue to lobby the Australian government.

‘We have difficulty understanding this decision but we have not lost our hope, even though we prefer to see a huge yes from [Australia],’ he said.

Mr Elkrog earlier said that since the Danish volunteers wouldn’t be able to take much of their gear, they would act in a support capacity.

‘We may not face the flames, but can provide backup. For example, we can drive water supplies to Australian firefighters, and we can also help evacuate people at risk of flames. These are things we are trained for,’ he told local media.

‘It doesn’t matter whether we are going to tow sandbags, extinguish fires or help with the evacuations. We just want to help.’

U.S. firefighters received a heroes’ welcome when they arrived at Sydney Airport and Australians are universally in favour of more help.

The first of the 100 Americans were cheered and given a round of applause as they walked through the arrivals gate on Thursday.

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark (pictured with Prince Frederik and NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons in 2013) wrote a heartfelt letter to Scott Morrison in response to the bushfires

Australian-born Crown Princess Mary of Denmark last week wrote a heartfelt letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison in response to the bushfires.

‘Our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and our deepest sympathy to the many families who have lost their homes – their livelihoods,’ she said. 

‘The courage and unyielding efforts of the volunteer firefighters have our deepest respect and admiration.’

Princess Mary said she felt ‘proud of my Australian heritage’ to see so many of her countrymen coming together. 

‘It makes me proud to witness the strong sense of community and the Australian spirit of ‘never giving up’ in the face of such devastation and adversity,’ she said.