Palm Grove fire claims life of Peter Woods of Bensville
Peter Woods is being remembered as a “true gentleman”, a tireless volunteer and the “heart and soul” of many clubs after his tragic death in a Palm Grove backburning fire.
Central Coast
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THE surfing, rugby and firefighting fraternities of the Central Coast are mourning the loss of a “true gentleman”, a tireless volunteer and the “heart and soul” of the clubs he was involved in.
Peter Woods, of Bensville, died on Friday when a hazard reduction burn he was undertaking on a rural investment property at Palm Grove got out of control.
The 61-year-old suffered burns to his hands but police are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine how the otherwise fit and healthy grandfather died.
It is believed he may have suffered a cardiac arrest.
Emergency services were called to the property on Platypus Creek Lane at 12.15pm after reports of an out-of-control bushfire.
They arrived to find the long-serving Fire & Rescue NSW station officer dead.
A police spokesman said being a firefighter, Mr Woods was well experienced with conducting hazard reduction burns and was wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) clothing.
The spokesman said Mr Woods was using an accelerant at the time.
A waterbombing helicopter was brought in to control the blaze which took off up an adjacent hill.
A five-tonne limit timber bridge into the property prevented Rural Fire Service trucks from gaining access to the fire with smaller 4WD firefighting vehicles deployed to tackle the blaze at ground level.
The woman who rented the house with her son was away visiting family near Oberon at the time and no property came under threat.
It was one of four fires to break out on the Coast since Friday with RFS crews also deployed to Palmdale, Somersby and Koolewong in an ominous sign of what is to come following a record dry winter.
Meanwhile tributes have begun flowing for “Woodsey” on social media where the life member of the Avoca Boardriders and Avoca Sharks Rugby clubs was remembered as a “legend”.
“This earth has taken another champion way too early,” Matt Parker posted on Facebook.
“My condolences to the whole Woods family. We all have him in our thoughts and prayers. A well respected, long serving firefighter, a life member of ABC (Avoca Boardriders Club) and an integral part of the medical and football team at Avoca Beach Rugby Club.
“To think we again shared beers and laughs at last weekends Avoca Boardriders. To a man who gave so much time to his community. The extent of how much you will be missed will be seen for some time. We will miss you on the beach and on the side lines mate.”
Peter Hayes posted Mr Woods was “such a legend”.
“Always first to help set up every comp and always last to leave! Surfing will miss him! RIP Woodsey!!!” he wrote.
A report is being prepared for the Coroner.