NZ Army soldier celebrates landmark birthday amid firefighting efforts in United States

Fighting a major forest fire in the United States was not how Sam Darge or his family anticipated the day of his 21st birthday unfolding.

02 October, 2026

Sapper Darge, from Ōhaeawai in the Far North, was one of five New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) firefighters deployed to Washington and Oregon as part of an assistance response led by Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ)

He said the experience was challenging and a steep learning curve.

“One of the hardest transitions was going from snow in Waiouru to high temperatures on a hot fire line in steep terrain. Turning 21 while I was there was definitely a unique experience – but you can’t celebrate where you’re standing in amongst such widespread devastation.”

He was able to talk to his family on his birthday and while they all missed him, they were incredibly proud of him and his service.

Waiouru Military Camp Firemaster, Staff Sergeant Matt Anker, who led the NZDF firefighting team, said his team presented Sapper Darge with a cake and a tee shirt signed by the whole Kiwi crew to make it a little special.

“Sam’s a passionate firefighter and he genuinely loves what he does – he’s a great addition to our team.”

A person stands with a uniform on and yellow hard hat with their right arm up as they reads a weather meter. In the background is a tree and it is smoky.

Left: Sapper Sam Darge reads a weather meter while in the field. Centre: Staff Sergeant Matt Anka on the ground while a firefighting helicopter passes overhead. Right: A first-hand view of aerial firefighting techniques.

The NZDF team arrived in America towards the end of the wildfire season and were able to provide relief and support to local firefighters exhausted by the long and brutal fire season.

“It was an extraordinary experience, especially being on the front lines alongside our domestic and international partners as a unified Anzac force supporting and learning from the Americans.”

In all, 242 personnel deployed from Australia and New Zealand.

Integrating military firefighting capability with the specialised skills of the Department of Conservation (DOC), forestry crews, and FENZ showcased the absolute best of New Zealand's combined wildfire response, Staff Sergeant Anker said.

The NZDF team was in America for six weeks, primarily tasked with establishing and holding indirect control lines along existing forest road networks, protecting critical utility corridors, and preserving evacuation routes.

“Whether cutting firelines in steep, rugged terrain, felling hazardous timber, or running long hose lays, the seamless trust and shared work ethic across all agencies meant we operated as one high-performing team from day one,” Staff Sergeant Anker said.

“For the NZDF, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with DOC, forestry, and FENZ personnel on an international stage proved how effective our multi-agency cooperation is back home.”