US firefighters applauded on arrival in Australia

A spontaneous round of applause broke out at Sydney International Airport for a group of American firefighters who arrived this week to help fight the wildfires hitting Australia. 

Video posted on Twitter on Thursday by the commissioner of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service showed Australians at the airport bursting into applause and cheers as the Americans walked through the arrivals hall.

“U.S. firefighters arrived at Sydney Int Airport this week, on their way to assist with fire fighting in Victoria,” NSWRFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons wrote on Twitter.  

“Coming through, all gathered gave a spontaneous & lengthy round of applause, reflecting the gratitude & admiration we all have for their generosity,” she also said.

US fire fighters arrived at Sydney Int Airport this week, on their way to assist with fire fighting in Victoria.
Coming through, all gathered gave a spontaneous & lengthy round of applause, reflecting the gratitude & admiration we all have for their generosity. #NSWRFS @NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/5epg5y4qxX

— Shane Fitzsimmons (@RFSCommissioner) January 9, 2020

Australia and the United States have been sending firefighters to each other to help fight wildfires, according to ABC7 Chicago.

Citing officials, the local affiliate reported that there are already 159 U.S. firefighters in Australia and the U.S. plans to send at least another 100.

Australia has been hit by the worst wildfires in decades, which have killed over two dozen people and caused devastation among the animals living in the affected areas.