Firefighter Peter Curtis to be repatriated to Port Pirie after a special CFS service

The body of a firefighter who died in the line of duty will be repatriated home for his funeral next week, but not before the CFS farewell him with a special service.

A “good humoured” father and grandfather that tragically died during a firefighting operation on the Eyre Peninsula last month will be repatriated to Port Pirie ahead of his funeral next week.

Father of four and grandfather of seven Peter Curtis, 65, was working with the National Parks and Wildlife Services Brigade of the CFS on a low-level blaze at Pinkawillinie Conservation Park on November 23, about 60km west of Kimba.

The crew launched a search operation on the ground and in the air when they noticed Peter was missing but when they located his body, he was unable to be revived.

Peter’s cousin, Noel Curtis, 67, said his sudden death was a shock to the family.

CFS firefighter Peter Curtis, aged 65. Picture: Supplied

Growing up in Wirrabara in the Mid North, Noel remembered his “mischievous” and “good humoured” cousin saying they’d ride their motorbikes around a nearby water catchment and get into a bit of trouble.

A small service for Peter will be held at the Torrens Parade Ground on Wednesday morning, before his body is convoyed back to Port Pirie via Clare, Laura, Peter’s hometown of Wirrabara, and Wilmington.

Peter’s funeral for family and friends will be held at The Old Nursery, in Wirrabara Forest, on Wednesday, December 10 at 10.30am.

Following the service, the cortege will proceed to the Wirrabara Cemetery for the committal.

A livestream of Peter’s service will be available on Meschke Funerals’ website.

Peter’s death is the first line of duty death of a Parks and Wildlife Service firefighter.

The exact details of his death are yet to be revealed as they are subject to an investigation.

Originally published as Firefighter Peter Curtis to be repatriated to Port Pirie after a special CFS service