Ulmarra firefighter Mitch Heath springs into action to help family after car rolls on cliff

A beloved northern NSW firefighter needs help himself after a planned family trip to the beach with his daughters ended in a horrific car crash, leaving him grateful they’re all alive.

Mitch Heath's vehicle left the remote forest track and rolled several times down a cliff edge.

A northern NSW firefighter who has dedicated his life to serving others — both professionally and as a volunteer — needs his community more than ever, after a joyful day trip to the beach went horribly wrong.

Ulmarra Rural Fire Service firefighter Mitch Heath was taking his teenage daughters to Brooms Head Beach via Coaldale State Forest Rd last Thursday, when he lost control of his vehicle.

The car rolled two-and-a-half times down an embankment, trapping his daughters who were visiting from Queensland for the school holidays.

Mr Heath described “so much happening at once” as a “snapped tree started to protrude through the car” as the vehicle rolled down the cliff side before coming to a stop.

“I knew at any point the truck could keep rolling,” Mr Heath said as his firefighting training kicked in and he prioritised who to assist first.

Despite a dislocated arm he helped retrieve his eldest daughter, 14-year-old Keisha, who had a smashed “knee hanging apart”.

He then assisted 11-year-old Keyanna.

Firefighter Mitch Heath spent four nights in hospital after a trip with his daughters to the beach went terribly wrong.

“I fared the least out of everyone,” he said.

“I’m so grateful everyone’s alive, to be honest.”

Mr Heath and his daughters spent four days in Coffs Harbour Health Campus and, despite the challenges, he is determined to keep giving back to the community of Ulmarra.

“I want to continue doing the job I love doing, but without my truck that’s going to be a challenge,” he said.

Mitch Heath and his daughters spent four nights in Coffs Harbour Hospital after a horror car accident.

Mr Heath not only relies on his vehicle for work but also for seeing his daughters.

He has set up a fundraiser to assist with getting another vehicle and has been brought to tears by the donations so far.

“I’m really close to the community and am really grateful for everyone that’s supporting me at the moment.”

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Originally published as Ulmarra firefighter Mitch Heath springs into action to help family after car rolls on cliff