Spencer Porter was waiting in Vancouver to board an 11 p.m. red-eye flight bound for Australia to help in the battle against that country's largest wildfire on record. 

Porter is one of four NWT firefighters who took flights recently to battle the blazes that have consumed millions of hectares in Australia. On a 30-day deployment, they will assist aviation and planning efforts alongside the 24 other Canadians involved in the effort.

Porter had a mix of emotions as he headed into the deployment. 

SA国际影视传媒淎 bit of excitement, a little bit nervous. Healthy mixture of both I think,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

SA国际影视传媒淲hatSA国际影视传媒檚 going over there is pretty terrible. And being able to help in any capacity feels great."

This will be the sixth deployment of Canadian fire fighters.

The NWT Environment and Natural Resources department typically choose staff depending on AustraliaSA国际影视传媒檚 stated personnel needs, according to Mike Gravel, director of forest management.

Afterward, those names go to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), which then selects the team from a national list. Any future deployments depend on the organization's request and whoSA国际影视传媒檚 available.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 a big commitment to leave your family for over a month,SA国际影视传媒� he said, explaining that a monthSA国际影视传媒檚 absence can be difficult.

Porter, whoSA国际影视传媒檚 also a volunteer firefighter in Fort Smith, stepped forward after he saw coverage of the wildfires that have scorched wide swathes of Australia, causing at least 28 deaths so far. 

SA国际影视传媒淲hatSA国际影视传媒檚 going over there is pretty terrible. And being able to help in any capacity feels great,SA国际影视传媒� he said. 

The sight of volunteer Australian firefighters away from their homes, jobs and families SA国际影视传媒攐ften times without pay SA国际影视传媒� was inspirational, he said.

SA国际影视传媒淭heySA国际影视传媒檙e taking all their personal time to try and battle this,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

The three others heading to Australia from the NWT are: Hay RiverSA国际影视传媒檚 Raelene Lamalice, a resource unit leader who oversees planning needs; Jonathan Williams, an aerial observer who flies above to monitor the action; and Marlon Labach an air support group supervisor who coordinates aircraft from the ground.

Williams and Labach are seasonal employees who winter in Manitoba and British Columbia, respectively.

All except Williams, whoSA国际影视传媒檚 travelling to the state of Southern Australia, are headed to the state of Victoria.

Environment and Natural Resources Minister Shane Thompson said he was proud that SA国际影视传媒渨eSA国际影视传媒檙e able to send quality staff in time of need of other people. I think itSA国际影视传媒檚 great to here and great to see.SA国际影视传媒�

Once there, PorterSA国际影视传媒檚 role will be at an air tanker base, which typically involves overseeing maintenance of facilities, crews and equipment. That includes ensuring the aircraft are properly equipped as they depart to fight fire.

It will be PorterSA国际影视传媒檚 first deployment outside of the North, let alone out of the country. 

While he was unaware of any differences between fighting fires in Australia and NWT, he said he would soon find out. 

SA国际影视传媒淚 think as much as anybody, seeing them in need, seeing that they need assistance, it feels really good to help out anyway you can,SA国际影视传媒� he said, adding that barring hoping on a plane to Australia, donations are appreciated. 

SA国际影视传媒淓very bit counts,SA国际影视传媒� Porter said.