CFS names Louise Hincks, 44, as volunteer killed while battling forest fire near Lucindale

Premier Steven Marshall says a CFS volunteer, and devoted mother of two, killed yesterday while fighting a forest fire near Lucindale was ‘a hero’.

The brother of a long-time CFS volunteer who was killed on the fire ground has described her as someone who “always put her hand up to help others”.

Louise Hincks, 44, was fighting a blaze near Lucindale on Friday when she was hit by a falling, burning branch, which caused fatal injuries.

The devoted mother of two, who was a member of the Happy Valley brigade, had travelled hundreds of kilometres to help fight the blaze.

“It was pretty common for Louise that anytime there was a need within the greater CFS, she would be there to help,” her younger brother Tony Brown said.

Louise Hincks, 44, tragically lost her life when she was struck by a burning tree while fighting a fire near Lucindale. Pictured here with her puppy Maxi. Picture: Supplied by family

Mrs Hincks first joined the Eden Hills CFS in 1994 and served in many roles for the organisation over the past 28 years, plus a stint of employment with SAFECOM.

A qualified psychologist, she had previously worked in the stress prevention section and provided mental health support to dozens of CFS volunteers.

“I know Louise has had a very extensive career supporting many throughout the CFS crew for loss and tragedy, and we’re here today to return that favour as legacy to Louise,” Mr Brown said.

He said she was an inspiration to many.

“The vigil we’ve got for her at the moment is nothing but a tribute to her as a personality,” Mr Brown said.

“All her family members and friends would no doubt agree that the way she went about her CFS business is the way she lived her life as well.”

Ms Hincks’ brother Tony Brown said his sister was an inspiration. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Premier Steven Marshall described her as a hero at a press conference on Saturday morning.

“She is a hero – a hero volunteer CFS firefighter,” Mr Marshall said.

CFS chief officer Mark Jones said the service had lost a family member. “She’s remembered by colleagues as a passionate volunteer who would do anything to help any of them,” he said.

“Everyone is hurting, even the firefighters who hadn’t had the opportunity to meet her.”

Mrs Hincks was a member of Flinders University’s health, counselling and disability services team.

Deputy vice-chancellor Professor Romy Lawson said her death was a huge shock and loss.

“Louise’s dedication and commitment to her work at Flinders was echoed in her selfless volunteering for the CFS,” she said.

The impact of her loss has been felt beyond Australia, as visiting UK Foreign secretary Liz Truss also paid her respects.

“I want to express my condolences for the firefighter who lost her life as a result of the bushfire,” Ms Truss said.

“I’m very, very sorry to hear it, and I want to express my thoughts with the family.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison also spoke with family members on Saturday morning to extend his condolences.

A 62-year-old man, from Ironbank, was also struck by the branch and remains in hospital with serious injuries.

He is expected to make a full recovery.

Almost 4000ha of land has been burned in the fire which has been burning since Wednesday. Picture 9NEWS

More than 200 firefighters were still working on the Coles fireground on Saturday as the blaze continued to burn freely within control lines. The fire began on Wednesday with the first CFS warning showing the fire was burning in blue gum plantations.

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