Overview
- John Lohan, 59, a long‑serving NPWS divisional commander, died late Sunday after a falling tree struck him at Nerong near the Bulahdelah fire despite first aid from colleagues and treatment by paramedics.
- Police established a crime scene, WorkSafe was notified, and a report will be prepared for the coroner as Lohan’s family requested privacy and remembered him as a devoted father and respected firefighter.
- The Bulahdelah fire has burned roughly 4,800 hectares across both sides of the Pacific Highway, with crews strengthening containment lines as conditions ease and the incident listed under control advice.
- Damage assessments confirm major losses over the weekend with about 16 homes destroyed at Koolewong on the Central Coast, four at Bulahdelah, and 19 at Dolphin Sands in Tasmania following rapid fire runs.
- Natural disaster assistance has been activated across multiple NSW regions as leaders paid tribute to Lohan and fire chiefs cautioned of an above‑average season with hotter, windy days to come.