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A profound sense of loss envelops the firefighting community as an investigation unfolds into the tragic death of a highly esteemed and seasoned firefighter in South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. The incident has prompted a deep examination into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) chief officer, Brett Loughlin, has confirmed that Peter Curtis, an experienced firefighter, lost his life while battling a scrub fire in Pinkawillinie Conservation Park, located to the west of Kimba, on the previous afternoon.
“Firefighters on the scene realized that a member was missing during operations on the fireground,” Loughlin informed reporters today. “An immediate search was launched by personnel on site, with additional support from a CFS helicopter dispatched to aid in the search efforts.”
Tragically, during this search, firefighter Peter Curtis was found, but despite efforts, he could not be revived. The precise circumstances of the incident are under investigation, as Loughlin noted, with the aim of uncovering the details that led to this heartbreaking loss.
“The specific details of this incident are obviously subject to an investigation.”
Curtis was part of the National Parks and Wildlife Service brigade strike team and deployed to the area to protect the park and surrounding communities from the 10-hectare fire, believed to have been sparked by lightning overnight.
Loughlin said 12 personnel were deployed as the fire was small and conditions were fairly benign, but added that there is a risk associated with every incident.
“When you work in a remote location like the Pinkawillinie Conservation Park, there is increased levels of risk that our firefighters are faced by nature by that remote and rugged terrain,” he said.
“The team from the National Parks and Wildlife Service brigade are no stranger to operating in that environment and are well prepared and well versed, and Peter was very experienced in working this part of the world.”
Curtis began his firefighting career with ForestrySA in 1995 before he transferred to the National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2017, where he served in senior leadership roles, including strike team leader and sector commander.
He has been remembered by his colleagues today, who said he had dedicated his life to protecting communities and the environment.
“He was deeply respected for his skill, leadership, and generosity in mentoring others,” CFS said in a statement.
“Above all, Peter was a caring and considerate person, loved by all who knew him. His loss will be felt profoundly across our organisations and the broader community.
“Our thoughts are with Peter’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters.”
Emergency Services Minister Rhiannon Pearce said his death was a “tremendously sad occasion” and would be felt by the entire industry.
“The role that Peter had isn’t something you do necessarily just for a career, it is something you do because you feel deeply passionate about,” she said.
“And he’s been deeply passionate about keeping his community safe for a very long time, and we honour the work he has done over all these years.”
Authorities have notified Curtis’ family and offered support to help them navigate the situation.