Tributes flow for firefighter Michael Kidd after tragic death in Grose Vale blaze

A firefighter fatally struck by a beam while fighting a house fire in Sydney’s northwest was a husband and father recognised for his actions during the Black Summer bushfires.

Firefighter Michael Kidd died after being struck by a beam at a house fire in Sydney’s northwest. Picture: Supplied.

A firefighter has been remembered as an “amazing bloke” dedicated to serving his community, after his life was cut tragically short while battling a blaze at a home in Sydney’s northwest.

Michael Kidd, an on-call firefighter at Richmond Fire Station, died after being struck by a falling beam while attempting to extinguish the fire at Grose Vale, near Richmond on Tuesday morning.

The Grose Vale property. Picture: ABC

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell described Mr Kidd as a “kind and selfless” man who dedicated his life to keeping others safe.

He said the 51-year-old’s death was “a tragic loss.”.

“Firefighter Kidd has made an amazing contribution to the Hawkesbury community over many years and the impacts of his death will be widely felt for a long time to come,” Mr Fewtrell said.

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell spoke about the tragic death. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

“Tragedies like this are always difficult to comprehend, but it’s particularly cruel that Firefighter Kidd’s death has occurred less than two weeks from Christmas.

“We will continue to support his family and colleagues at this difficult time.”

Mr Fewtrell said it appeared a beam fell on Mr Kidd. His colleagues noticed and pulled him from danger before trying to resuscitate him.

A friend who served with Mr Kidd at the fire station, remembered his friend as “an amazing bloke”.

“Always happy, loved his job, loved doing what he did,” he said.

“Nothing was ever too hard for him”.

The Grose Vale property where Mr Kidd lost his life, pictured before the blaze.

Mr Kidd is survived by his wife and two adult children.

Emergency services were called to the fire on Grose Vale Rd about 8am on Tuesday.

Mr Kidd was among the first crew responding to the blaze at the large property.

He could not be revived and died on scene.

Premier Chris Minns offered his condolences to the firefighter’s family.

“To take on a job like this takes true bravery, and it’s a debt that we can’t even begin to repay,” he said.

“No family should ever have to hear this news and my thoughts are with them.”

Mr Kidd joined FRNSW in 2010.

He was awarded a National Emergency Medal and a Premier’s Bushfire Citation for his efforts protecting his community during the 2019-20 Black Summer fires.

In 2020, he was recognised with a Long Service & Good Conduct Medal.

Mr Kidd had also been a Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteer since 1989, for which he received a National Medal and a Long Service Medal in 2013.

Michael Kidd. Picture: Facebook

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib shared his condolences.

“Firefighters are extraordinary people who dedicate their lives to protecting others and Firefighter Kidd has been a shining example of that for decades,” he said.

“Today, while protecting our community, he tragically lost his life, and this will be felt across the emergency services.

“His crew at FRNSW and fellow RFS members who came to his assistance are also in our thoughts as they deal with the loss of a valued colleague.

“I cannot imagine the grief they are feeling.”

FRNSW is providing support to family, crews and the broader firefighting community through internal wellbeing and chaplaincy services.

Police have established at crime scene and launched an investigation.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.

Know more about the fire? Phone Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Tributes flow for firefighter Michael Kidd after tragic death in Grose Vale blaze