NZ firefighters off to US 

More than 40 Australian and New Zealand firefighters have been called on to help tackle out of control bush fires in the United States.

The group of 44, Including eight rural firefighters from NZ, flies to California on Sunday to provide relief to local fire crews during their mission.

Victorian Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the firefighters would give their American counterparts a well deserved rest.

"Victoria is one of the most fire-prone environments in the world and we have amassed a wealth of forest firefighting skills and expertise that is in high demand," Jennings said.

"This will give our US counterparts a much needed break from fighting these fires."

The firefighters can expect to be away for up to five weeks at a time and may be camping in remote areas.

Australian firefighters were last deployed to the US in 2006, when they were responsible for co-ordinating thousands of fire personnel.

NSW heads the contingent with 10 firefighters, followed by Victoria's nine, Western Australia's eight, the ACT's four, Tasmania's three, one from South Australia and nine from New Zealand.

It is the fifth time since 2000 that Kiwis have been asked by their American counterparts to help out.

Fire Service spokesman Murray Dudfield says their work will mostly be in remote alpine areas and those with the appropriate skills will be chosen to go.