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Vilsack and Aussie Prime Minister Thank Firefighters

During an event at the USDA, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd honored U.S. wildfire firefighers that were sent to Australia last month to aid in the fight against wildfires.

"We are thankful to have such a partnership with Australia and very proud that American firefighters were asked to assist across the globe in a time of need," said Vilsack.

Bush fires destroyed more than 2,000 homes and killed more than 200 people in Victoria, Australia. In early February, firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service and Department of Interior were sent to help Australia deal with the wildfires. Of the 73 people sent to Australia, 60 have returned and the remaining 13 will return on April 7.