A firefighter has died after being struck by a tree while battling a bushfire near Bulahdelah, north of Newcastle. The incident marks the first fatality of the bushfire season in New South Wales. Both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris Minns have expressed their condolences and acknowledged the dangers faced by emergency services personnel. Concerns have been raised about the intensity of the bushfire season.
A firefighter has become the first fatality of the bushfire season after being struck by a tree. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service said it happened while the firefighter was working to contain a bushfire at Bulahdelah , north of Newcastle, about 11pm on Sunday.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Firefighter dies battling NSW central coast blazes Fellow firefighters provided first aid before paramedics were able to arrive at the scene, but the firefighter was unable to be saved. "Our thoughts are with the firefighter's family during this difficult time," NPWS said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the fallen firefighter, saying his "heart goes out to the loved ones and colleagues". "All Australians are thinking of you in your time of grief," Albanese said. "This terrible news is a sombre reminder of the dangers that our emergency services personnel face to keep our homes and communities safe -- and the extraordinary courage that their job demands. "We honour that bravery, every day." Premier Chris Minns echoed the prime minister, describing the death as a "terrible, terrible tragedy". "We've got about 700 in the field right now ... keeping properties safe, saving homes," he told Sunrise. "If it wasn't for the brave men and women, who are mostly volunteers, we would have lost more homes. "It's a sad reminder this morning that this job is also dangerous." Minns added he is concerned about the bushfire season given the current activity "in the first few days of December". "This could be a harbinger for things to come," he said. The blaze at Bulahdelah has burnt through more than 3000 hectares since Thursday and is currently being controlled. Residents in Crawford River, Nerong and The Branch have been urged to monitor conditions as cooler weather has helped firefighters' efforts to extinguish the fire. NSW Rural Fire Service have urged those residents to "watch out for emergency services personnel and follow their directions". "If you stayed to defend your property monitor both inside and outside for small fires and burning embers," NSW RFS said.
Bushfire Firefighter Fatality NSW Emergency Services Bulahdelah
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NSW Faces Dangerous Bushfire Day Amid HeatwaveNew South Wales is grappling with a dangerous bushfire day, marked by total fire bans, severe heatwave warnings, and strong winds. Crews are battling multiple blazes, with extreme fire dangers forecast for eastern and central NSW. Authorities urge caution, preparedness, and avoidance of travel in fire-prone areas. Thunderstorms are also possible, which could spark more fires.
Read more "
Residents still unable to return home as north-east Victoria bushfire continuesNorth-east Victorian residents are still unable to return home as firefighters assess bushfire damage.
Read more "
Firefighter Dies Battling Bushfire in NSWA national park firefighter has died after being struck by a tree while fighting a bushfire near Newcastle, NSW. The Premier expressed condolences as authorities contact the family. Multiple fires continue to burn across the region, including one near Redhead and another that damaged homes in Koolewong.
Read more "
'A very sad day': Firefighter killed in NSW bushfire zoneThe national parks worker died after being struck by a tree in the Bulahdelah fire ground, north of Newcastle.
Read more "
NPWS firefighter killed by falling tree during bushfire prevention work at NerongA National Parks and Wildlifer Service firefighter dies after being crushed by a tree during bushfire prevention work north of Newcastle.
Read more "
Firefighter dies in NSW as premier warns of 'foreboding' start to state's bushfire seasonMember of national parks firefighting teamkilled by tree at Bulahdelah in 'deeply distressing turn of events'
Read more "