In October 2025, Operation Fire Support completed a highly impactful mission to Israel, delivering vital firefighting training, equipment, and ongoing support to communities and emergency services facing increasing threats from wildfires and conflict-related hazards.
Training and Empowering Communities
Our team trained 12 community emergency teams and one farm across northern and southern Israel, including various kibbutzim and moshavim.Farm Training and Resilience
A special highlight was training Thai farm workers at Netiv HaAsara. This farm had previously been trained by Operation Fire Support before the outbreak of hostilities on 7 October 2023. Thanks to their prior training and the fire safety equipment we provided, they successfully defended their farm amidst rocket and mortar fire— unlike surrounding farms that were destroyed. Their bravery and preparedness exemplify the importance of our programmes in saving lives and livelihoods.
Supporting the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority
Beyond training, I was honoured to deliver a lecture titled ‘Protecting Communities from Wildfires’ at the
Israel Fire and Rescue Authority’s (IFRA) National Fire Academy. This was my third lecture since the onset of hostilities, and it underscores our ongoing partnership. IFRA highly values our expertise and the critical role we play in strengthening regional fire response, especially in underserved rural areas.
Standing with the Community of Netiv HaAsara
We also participated in memorial services and re-burials for citizens tragically murdered during the 7 October attack.
“Hundreds of murderers were released to secure the freedom of the Israeli hostages.”
The community regards us as family, having stood shoulder to shoulder since 2019 through eight deployments, providing aid and support during conflict, danger, and evacuations. We have worked side-byside during enemy attacks, red alerts, and efforts to save homes and lives—because these communities are our brothers and sisters.
A New Facility for Continued Support
A significant milestone was reached during this mission. A generous farm owner in Netiv HaAsara offered us use of their unused warehouse—fulfilling a long-standing prayer for operational space since 2019. This secure facility will enable us to store equipment and vehicles, expanding our capacity to support Israeli communities in ongoing and future missions.
Our Ongoing Mission: Building a Safer Future
Since 2019, Operation Fire Support has focused on four critical areas:
- Firefighter Training: Tailored to local needs, wildfire safety, and tactics.
- Provision of Protective Gear: Fire uniforms, PPE, and safety equipment.
- Equipment and Vehicle Upgrades: Advocating for national standards and supplying modern firefighting gear.
- Community Wildfire Prevention: Developing hazard reduction strategies—an area currently lacking formal programmes in Israel.
Communities and government bodies recognise our programmes as the only effective means to improve response capabilities, safeguard lives, and protect property in Israel’s regional areas.
Looking Ahead: A Four-Year Plan for Lasting Impact
To achieve real, sustainable change, we are planning a four-year full-time mission to:
- Establish regional trainers and develop advanced training programmes.
- Provide necessary firefighting gear, including uniforms and PPE.
- Upgrade existing fire equipment and vehicles, including trailers.
- Implement wildfire prevention and hazard reduction strategies nationwide.
- Acquire Israel’s first armored firefighting vehicle, manufactured in Kibbutz Sasa by Plasan, to protect responders from rocket, mortar, and shrapnel threats.
Recent footage highlights the urgency: a mortar landed just one metre from a volunteer firefighter—almost claiming his life. An armored vehicle would provide critical protection in these dangerous environments.
Support Our Mission
Operation Fire Support relies on the generosity of supporters to continue this vital work. Your donations enable us to train firefighters, supply essential equipment, and innovate in conflict and disaster zones.
Together, we have already made a difference—saving farms, supporting communities, and strengthening emergency services. With your ongoing support, we can expand our reach and build a safer, more resilient Israel.
Our Needs
- Four-Year Mission Funding: USD $4 million
- Armored Firefighting Vehicle: USD $500,000
Tax-deductible donations can be made at: https://www.operationfiresupport.org/donation/
Operation Fire Support is a registered not-for-profit charity under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and holds full Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the Australian Taxation Office.
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