Donate to the family of Louise Hincks, CFS firefighter killed near Lucindale

A convoy of CFS trucks will today transport the body of volunteer firefighter Louise Hincks who died battling a blaze at Lucindale. Find out how to help her family.

A convoy of Country Fire Service trucks will today transport the body of a heroic volunteer from the state’s south east to Adelaide after she was killed battling a blaze on Friday.

Louise Hincks, 44, died when she was hit by a falling branch while working to contain a bushfire near Lucindale which broke out last week.

A CFS command car, a hearse, and a Happy Valley CFS truck, which was the brigade Ms Hincks was a volunteer at for, was escorting her body back to Adelaide on Monday afternoon.

Lights on the trucks will be activated, and volunteers will line overpasses above the South Eastern Freeway at various points including Murray Bridge, Callington, Monarto, Mt Barker, Bridgewater and Crafers, in honour of Ms Hincks.

The devoted mother of two first joined the CFS in 1994 and was a psychologist, having previously worked to provide mental health support to dozens of volunteers.

An Ironbank man, 62, was also struck by the branch and remains in hospital with serious injuries.

A convoy including a Command car, a hearse and the Happy Valley CFS truck bringing Louise Hinck's body from the SE on Monday. Burnside CFS volunteers Sam Matear, Stefan Kirkmoe, Grant Davis, and Corey Rounsevell, with Maggie the dog, stand to attention on the Mt Osmond bridge over the SE Freeway. Picture: Dean Martin

Louise Hincks who tragically lost her life when she was struck by a burning branch while fighting a fire near Lucindale. Pictured with her brand new puppy Maxi. Picture: Supplied by family

Meanwhile, a long-term friend of Ms Hincks urged the community to dig deep and donate to support her family.

Emma-Kate Lindsay created the fundraiser on Sunday with the consent of Ms Hincks’ family, which had attracted more than $16,000 in 24 hours.

“Louise was simply, the best person I have ever known,” Ms Lindsay said.

Ms Lindsay said a fundraiser was a practical way to help her family.

“Louise helped everyone, she was there for everyone always,” she said.

“We need to support her family in reflection of how she was in life.

“Please help this family in any way that you can in what has been a sudden and devastating loss.”

Donate to the fundraiser here.

Ms Hincks’ brother paid her an emotional tribute on Saturday, remembering his sister as an inspiration to many.

Louise Hincks’ brother, Tony Brown, at a press conference held at the CFS headquarters in Keswick. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“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,” Tony Brown said.

At a press conference on Monday, Premier Steven Marshall again paid tribute to Mrs Hincks.

Describing her as “a hero”, Mr Marshall said, “Every South Australian joins in mourning the loss of Mrs Hincks.

“She signed up to the CFS as a teenager. She loved the CFS. Whenever there was a call for a volunteer, she took up that call” – both in her local area, Kangaroo Island and interstate.

Mr Marshall said it was an “extraordinarily sad time for Mrs Hincks’ family and friends, but also the broader CFS and SafeCom family – she was much loved.”