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NPWS Firefighter Killed as NSW Bushfires Destroy Homes and Trigger Disaster Aid

Officials say the early-season blazes point to a volatile summer with elevated bushfire risk.

Overview

  • A 59-year-old National Parks and Wildlife Service firefighter died after a tree struck him while working on the Bulahdelah fire late Sunday, with WorkSafe notified and a coroner’s report to be prepared.
  • Damage assessments confirm 16 homes destroyed at Koolewong on the Central Coast and at least four at Bulahdelah, with authorities cautioning tallies may rise as inspections continue.
  • Natural disaster assistance has been activated for the Central Coast, Mid Coast, Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Warrumbungle and Dubbo, unlocking emergency support for residents, small businesses and primary producers.
  • Rural Fire Service updates put roughly 50–60 fires still burning in NSW on Monday with about nine uncontained, as cooler conditions helped crews strengthen lines following large multi-agency deployments on the weekend.
  • Tasmania’s 700-hectare Dolphin Sands blaze has been contained after destroying 19 homes and damaging dozens of other structures, with residents warned of ongoing safety risks from strong winds.