A firefighter has died as farmers were urged not to light burn-off fires as bad fire weather approaches on the weekend with 77 fires burning in the state, with 36 fires yet to be controlled.
Late this afternoon Police Minister Troy Grant said a contracted aircraft was involved in a fatal crash while fighting the Kingiman Fire, near Ulladulla.
“This a tragic event and my deepest sympathies are with the pilot’s family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are also with the emergency services community, especially the many brigades and units working to contain the Kingiman Fire,” Mr Grant said.
NSW Police and aviation authorities are currently investigating the circumstances of this incident and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
A major fire on the Far South Coast near Bemboka has already claimed three houses, with many outbuildings lost and farmland scorched. Stock losses are not yet known.
A fire west of Burrill Lake further up the South Coast has also burnt out farmland.
Meanwhile, fires have escaped in the Clarence and Richmond Valley river areas on the North Coast.
Rural Fire Service spokesman Ben Sheppard said it was important that no farm fires were lit this weekend with winds expected to rise up to 40km/h on the coast and up to 60 km/h on the southern ranges.
Mr Sheppard urged all landholders to contact fire controllers before even considering a burn-off. Better weather conditions are expected on Monday.
The fire at Bemboka has burnt out about 3300 ha.
John Ellicott
journalist and author
journalist and author
