Gov. Gavin Newsom called three California firefighters “heroic” Thursday after they were killed when the air tanker they were in crashed while battling the deadly wildfires that have devastated Australia.
Newsom did not release the names of the firefighters but did confirm they were members of the Cal Fire contingent that had recently arrived in Australia to battle the blazes.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the crew, their friends and loved ones, and our own CAL FIRE family who worked, fought fires, and trained with the crew of Tanker 134,” he said. “This tragic accident reminds us all of the too-high cost of the scourge of wildfires, as well as the sacrifice of first responders from around the world. California and Australia, already united by the deadly threat of wildfires, now grieve this tragic loss together.”