UPDATE: The New South Wales Rural Fire Service has identified the firefighter killed at the Green Valley Fire as Samuel McPaul from the Morven Brigade of the Southern Border Team. Today Service flags will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service confirmed December 30 that a RFS volunteer firefighter died Monday evening near Jingellic. Two other firefighters on the same truck suffered burns and were transported to a hospital.
The firefighters were working on the Green Valley, Talmalmo Fire, approximately 70km (43 miles) east of Albury NSW when it is believed that “the truck rolled when hit by extreme winds associated with the fire” according to information released by the RFS. The incident occurred in NSW near the Victoria/NSW border 150km (93 miles) southwest of Canberra.
A second vehicle working in the same area was also blown over and the firefighter on board is being treated in a hospital.
Our sincere condolences go out to the family, friends, and coworkers of the firefighters.
New South Wales has been experiencing numerous large bushfires for the last month and in recent days Victoria has as well.
On the day two firefighters were killed on the Carr Fire near Redding, California July 26, 2018 winds associated with the fire were estimated at 136-165 mph (EF-3 tornado strength), as indicated by wind damage to large oak trees, scouring of the ground surface, damage to roofs of houses, and lofting of large steel power line support towers, vehicles, and a steel marine shipping container. Multiple fire vehicles were damaged by flying debris and had their windows blown out.
Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Tom. Typos or errors, report them HERE.
Our GV fire department fellas Rick and Ken came in and put new batteries In my alarm systems (5) . They were not only professional at the job but very pleasant to me and my dog Georgie. ?
A Thankful GV Owner,
Avelyn Brynildsen