Firefighters 'shook up' after planned burn destroys fire tanker
A fire truck was destroyed and a smoke-affected firefighter was taken to hospital after the planned burn unexpectedly intensified in Sydney's south-west.
Investigators are currently assessing the damage caused by a planned hazard reduction burn that went out of control on Saturday at Wedderburn. One smoke-affected firefighter was hospitalized as a precaution, while a fire tanker was destroyed in the blaze. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) has launched an investigation into the incident, with the safety regulator notified.
The hazard reduction burn, conducted by the RFS, began at 10am Saturday following two successful test fires. The fire intensified around 4pm due to a sudden change in wind conditions, ultimately destroying one fire tanker and damaging two others. A volunteer firefighter suffered smoke inhalation and chest pain, being hospitalized and later released, with seventeen other volunteers assessed and cleared by paramedics.
Additional resources, including two helicopters, were deployed to regain control of the fire. Upon returning to the site on Sunday, crews continued damage assessments, with minor damage reported at two properties. RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin stated that the crews activated emergency spray systems on the tankers after being overrun by the fire.
He emphasized that the firefighters are well-trained and activated their training and fire protection systems to protect themselves. Commissioner Curtin mentioned that affected volunteers continue to receive support from chaplains and critical incident personnel. He noted that while it's too early to determine if the incident could have been prevented, an investigation is underway to examine all factors and take necessary actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Commissioner Curtin also highlighted the inherent risks in hazard reduction burning and firefighting, stating that fire authorities are preparing for a potentially heightened fire risk this bushfire season, given the driest winter on record and ongoing El Niño conditions. He urged everyone to have a bushfire survival plan and download the Hazards Near Me app for timely fire notifications.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
