NSW firefighters mourn volunteer who died battling grass fire
Volunteer firefighters give their all, up to and including putting their lives at risk. Photo: AAP
Authorities are paying tribute to a volunteer firefighter who died while battling a grassfire in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.
The man was working on a fire at Bean Creek in the Kyogle region on Saturday when he suffered a medical episode.
Fellow NSW Rural Fire Service members came to his aid and attempted to revive him with a defibrillator until paramedics arrived.
The man’s death serves as a solemn reminder about the dangers faced by firefighters, RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said.
“This is a terrible tragedy, where a volunteer helping protect his community has paid the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
On behalf of the NSW government, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib expressed his deepest sympathies to the man’s family.
The tragedy’s impact will be felt across the RFS and local community, he said.
“Our emergency services volunteers give so much to help keep others safe, and we are devastated that today this firefighter gave his life in service to our community,” Mr Dib said.
The RFS is providing support to the volunteer’s family, friends and colleagues.
-with AAP
