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A firefighter working at a national park tragically lost his life after being hit by a falling tree while battling a bushfire near Nerong, roughly 90 kilometers north of Newcastle.
Emergency crews were dispatched to a location on Little Nugra Road in Nerong at approximately 10:45 p.m. last night.
Despite the efforts of paramedics at the scene, the man succumbed to his injuries.
Premier Chris Minns shared on the Today show this morning that the firefighter was a member of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service unit.
“Authorities are currently in the process of notifying the firefighter’s family … we are deeply saddened by this news,” Minns stated.
“It’s devastating and it’s a reminder of what keeps the public safe.
“This is many ways a dangerous profession, and we’re deeply indebted to the men and women that devote their time to keeping us safe.”
Police have set up a crime scene and WorkSafe has been notified.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
NSW Rural Fire Service in an update today said 60 fires are continuing to burn.
Among this is a large fire north of Redhead, a coastal suburb of Lake Macquarie council, on the western side of Redhead Road and south of Oakdale Road.
The blaze spans 64 hectares but it being controlled.
Residents in the areas of Dudley and Whitebridge and Gateshead are being advised to monitor conditions in case the situation changes.
At least 18 homes were damaged or destroyed in another fast-moving bushfire last Saturday in Koolewong, a small waterside suburb near Woy Woy.