NSW volunteer firefighter dies in state’s north-west after being hit by falling tree
The firefighter killed by a falling tree while battling a blaze near a nature reserve in northern NSW has been identified.
Captain Leo Fransen was part of a strike team deployed to fight the Hudson fire near Walgett, about 100 kilometres south of the Queensland border and 500 kilometres west of Coffs Harbour.
Fransen was the captain of the Diamond Beach rural fire brigade, near Taree on the Mid North Coast.
Commissioner Rob Rogers paid tribute to him this morning, saying that Fransen was a life member of the Diamond Beach brigade and had joined in 2010.
“He was a very active member of the RFS and obviously our thoughts are with his wife Margaret, his daughter Julia, and his son Paul,” he said.
“These things are incredibly difficult for everyone involved.”
Fransen’s strike team was on the first day of a three-day deployment to the area when the accident took place.
They had fought the Hudson fire around the small community of Glengarry and managed to save a number of structures, Rogers said.
Fransen was treated at the scene and then taken to Lightning Ridge for further medical assistance, where he died.
The NSW Rural Fire Service paid tribute to Fransen on Facebook.
“His passing will be deeply felt across the RFS, but Leo’s ultimate sacrifice demonstrates the daily risks faced by our firefighters,” the organisation said.
“He will continue to inspire his fellow members and form part of our enduring memory.”
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib also paid tribute to Fransen, saying his death was a reminder of the dangers “heroic” firefighters faced while protecting Australian homes and lives.
The Hudson fire has so far burned through 21,000 hectares and six homes.
Rogers said Fransen’s fellow strike team members had decided to continue their deployment, saying they believed it’s what he would have wished.
The Hudson fire, which is burning near the Narran Lake Nature Reserve, has so far burned through 21,000 hectares and destroyed six buildings.
Firefighters said flames had increased on the community’s north-west edge and warned strong southerlies could push the blaze towards Garwin.
Firefighters and water bombers were working to try to control it.
Rogers said there was still work to do to bring the blaze under control.
