One firefighter killed, one seriously injured, in CFS truck incident in South East blaze
Crews are still working to contain a blaze in the South East that claimed the life of one firefighter and left another seriously injured after a burning tree fell on their service vehicle.
SA News
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Firefighters are contuining to battle a blaze in the state’s South East that claimed the life of a CFS volunteer and left another volunteer seriously injured.
More than 200 firefighters remain on the fireground on Saturday morning as the blaze continues to burn freely within control lines.
More personnel are expected to arrive to continue to mop up ahead of more fire danger this afternoon.
A CFS spokesman said they will monitor condtions closely.
“Because it is burning within blue gum planatation, there is an added danger of spotting, which creates a very dynamic, dangerous and complex situation on the fireground,” he said.
“We are expecting the fire danger index to peak at 50 sometime Saturday afternoon.”
Aerial firefighting resources are also expected to provide further assistance where required.
Today’s efforts come after the tragic death of a CFS member, confirmed by the service in a statement on Friday afternoon.
It is understood that earlier on Friday, a burning branch or tree fell on to a Country Fire Service vehicle which was battling the bushfire at Coles, near Lucindale.
“Family and other personnel have been informed and are being offered support at this time,” the CFS said.
“The seriously injured CFS member has been taken to hospital for further treatment.
“The safety and wellbeing of our people is our highest priority and our thoughts are with our CFS family at this time.”
Premier Steven Marshall will hold a press conference to provide an update on the fire at 10am.
The fire first began on Wednesday with the first CFS warning showing the fire was burning in blue gum plantations south of Lucindale.
Over the next two days unpredictable winds and volatile weather conditions spread the fire into surrounding paddocks and scrub.
As of Friday afternoon almost 4000ha had been destroyed by the fire and 74 CFS personnel along with 19 appliances were on the fire ground.
The fire settled into the dense plantations where it has been burning since Wednesday.
As afternoon winds sweep across the South East on Friday, embers from the fire spread igniting in unburnt areas are creating new fire fronts.
On Thursday evening the fire jumped containment lines which had been created using heavy machinery ahead of the fire front.
An emergency warning was issued by the CFS which was later downgraded.
The fire remains at advice level – the lowest tier of bushfire ratings.
Forecaster Paul Bierman said hot and dry conditions would continue on the fireground tomorrow with the temperature expected to reach 38C.
Severe fire warnings and heatwaves have both been declared for the South East.
Relief for the region is expected on Monday, but a weather front currently bringing heavy rain to the west of the state is to slow down and largely dissipate before it can reach the fire ground.
On Friday, Victorian Country Fire Association chief officer Jason Heffernan said he was “devastated by the tragic death” of the firefighter.“CFA stands with our colleagues on the fireground, and in grief,” he said.
Emergency Services Minister Vincent Tarzia paid tribute to the fire fighters and said support was being provided to their families.
“Our emergency services personnel regularly put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities and tragedies such as this highlight their extraordinary bravery.”
Opposition leader Peter Malinauskas also paid tribute to the volunteers.
“This is a tragic reminder of the bravery of our entire Country Fire Service,” he said.
“CFS members risk it all so they can protect lives, livelihoods and properties.”
It is believed the crew involved were not from the Lucindale area.
MOUNT GAMBIER FIRE
A grass fire just outside Mount Gambier’s CBD has been brought under control.
The fire sparked at around 3.20pm just off Lake Tce along Lewis Ave, Yahl.
Three MFS appliances were deployed to the scene with 11 CFS appliances and CFS water bombers were deployed to combat the blaze.
Lake Tce East was closed off to the public with police turning vehicles around at the Lewis Ave turn off.
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