North Rothbury Rural Fire Brigade volunteer Blaire Baker dies in his sleep

A young volunteer firefighter who was one of the first responders in the Hunter Valley bus crash tragedy, has died suddenly at the tender age of 24. Read the tributes.

Young volunteer fire Blaire Baker (right) from North Rothbury Rural Fire Brigade died in his sleep on July 11, 2025. Supplied.

The sudden and unexplained death of a young volunteer firefighter who was one of the first on scene during the Hunter Valley bus crash tragedy, has rocked the local community.

Blaire Baker – a much loved and dedicated member of the North Rothbury Rural Fire brigade since 2020 – unexpectedly died in his sleep on July 11 with family members still seeking closure over his death.

“I don’t know what happened,” blake’s father Tim told this publication.

The 24-year-old “enthusiastic” RFS member and Newcastle lab technician was not sick nor did he have any conditions that his dad was aware of that could have caused his death.

“I have been on the phone with the coroners. They are a bit baffled themselves so it has taken them longer than anticipated to find out the cause, so we’re not sure,” he said.

Young volunteer fire Blaire Baker from North Rothbury Rural Fire Brigade died in his sleep on July 11, 2025. Supplied.

After joining the RFS at 19, Blaire was a big part of the front line support team and provided assistance in incidents from bushfires, floods and road accidents.

With the brigade being close to the accident scene, he was one of the first responders at the Greta bus crash on June 11, 2023, where ten people died and 25 were injured when the vehicle rolled on a roundabout.

“He’s been to a lot of big incidents,” Mr Baker said.

“He’s been on deployment to the bad floods in Lismore a few years ago.

“He enjoyed helping people out.”

His love for volunteer work also had an affect on dad, convincing Tim to join.

“He wanted me to join so we could spend more time together and help the community,” he said.

The shocking and sudden news of his passing has seen a flood of tributes for the young firey – most coming to terms with a life lost so young.

“With great sadness and heavy hearts, we regret to announce the passing of Blaire Baker,” the North Rothbury Fire Brigade said on Saturday.

“A lovely young man with a gentle soul, his loss will be deeply felt.”

Colleague Kelly Knox described the 24-year-old as a genuine work mate.

“The Station will never be quite the same without him, he would have literally given you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it more,” she posted on social media.

“Always one of the first to put his hand up to help with anything, his passion for the community and brigade was unwavering and his absence will be missed by many.

Young volunteer fire Blaire Baker from North Rothbury Rural Fire Brigade died in his sleep on July 11, 2025. Supplied.

“Rest easy my young friend your zest and enthusiasm will be missed by all and things will never be quite the same without you.”

Another posted, “boots and helmets out, R.I.P Brother.”

Mr Baker created a Go Fund Me page to assist in giving his son the farewell he deserved.

“I never thought I would have to do this,” he said.

“He was so loved in the community a volunteer firefighter and so much more.”

As of Wednesday afternoon more than $5,000 has been raised.

“The outpouring in the community has been incredible, I haven’t got words for it, I can’t even go up the street someone grab me, hug me and crying,” Mr Baker said.

“The fire brigade has been amazing they are helping out as much as they can.”

Originally published as North Rothbury Rural Fire Brigade volunteer Blaire Baker dies in his sleep