WorkSafe has been notified of the death, and a report will be prepared for the coroner. The Bulahdelah fire spans 3604 hectares, is at advice level and is being controlled. The NSW Rural Fire Service has advised those in Nerong and nearby areas to monitor conditions and follow the directions of emergency services personnel.
The Lake Munmorah Rural Fire Brigade said the man’s death was “absolutely devastating to our entire team”.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share devastating news from the front line of the Bulahdelah fire on the Mid-North Coast,” they wrote online.
“This tragedy serves as a solemn reminder of the extreme sacrifices and dangers faced by all emergency service personnel during these challenging times.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said he was “heartbroken” by the man’s death.
“It’s a very sad day for firefighters and the NSW community,” Minns told Nine’s Today. “This is in many ways a dangerous profession, and we’re deeply indebted to the men and women that devote their time to keeping us safe.”
There are 59 fires burning across the state on Monday morning, with nine uncontained. There are no evacuation orders in place.
Premier Chris Minns visits areas affected by the Koolewong bushfire on Sunday.Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong
NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the man was part of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife firefighting service.
“It’s a reminder of the dangers that firefighters face, people who put themselves in harm’s way to protect communities, and this person has made the ultimate sacrifice,” Dib told ABC Radio National.
Sixteen homes in the Central Coast suburb of Koolewong and four in the Bulahdelah fire zone were destroyed over the weekend.
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Moderate rainfall has reduced hazard risks over the past 24 hours, though authorities have urged at-risk communities to continue monitoring conditions as they evolve across the summer.
RFS Superintendent Ben Shepherd forecast some “reprieve” on Monday, but signalled more danger for Tuesday and into the weekend.
“Wednesday it’ll start to drop back down again, but towards the weekend, it’s starting to show signs of some high fire danger,” Shepherd told 2GB.
“We need some really good rain to soak in, take the sting out of the fires that are there … we could continue to have these waves of high fire risk, and we just need everyone to be aware of that.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended his condolences to the “loved ones and colleagues” of the man killed on Sunday, saying that “all Australians are thinking of you in your time of grief”.
Minns said the bushfires in Koolewong could represent “pretty dark harbingers” for the summer period, after a historically wet August prevented firefighters from conducting hazard reduction burns in winter.
“We’re going to need people to follow advice, listen to emergency services, download the Hazards Near Me app so that they’ve got the latest up-to-date information,” Minns said.
“And if you’re asked to go and leave your home, I can promise you firefighters and police are not doing that because they’re trying to inconvenience you, they’re doing it to try to save your life.”
Curtin said strong winds and high, dry temperatures were spreading fires “extremely quickly”, warning that “we are moving to a difficult summer”.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service deputy secretary Alex Graham said she was “very saddened” to confirm the man’s death, which will now be subject to an investigation.
“Fellow firefighters provided first aid until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived at the scene,” Graham said. “Our thoughts are with the firefighter’s family during this difficult time.”
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, who oversees the department responsible for the NPWS, said the man’s death would be “felt profoundly” across the community.
A natural disaster has been declared to activate assistance for communities on the Central Coast, the Mid-North Coast and Upper Hunter regions, as well as in Dubbo in the state’s west, allowing for a suite of measures to help residents, businesses, primary producers and councils.
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