A volunteer firefighter has died after he was struck by a falling tree while fighting the Hudson bushfire in north-western New South Wales.
Key points:
- Windy conditions were expected to ease by 10pm tonight
- At least 21,200 hectares have been burnt
- Properties in the Glengarry area are being assessed for damage
The NSW Rural Fire Service said fellow crew members working Thursday afternoon near Walgett rendered first aid to the man until paramedics arrived.
He was taken to Lightning Ridge medical facility where he later died.
The NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers has expressed his condolences "at the passing of a dedicated volunteer who was helping to protect the community".
"This gentleman made the ultimate sacrifice. His tragic and untimely death is a solemn reminder about the dangers faced by our firefighters," he said.
"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and firefighting colleagues at this terrible time. We are offering every assistance to his family and fellow brigade members."
The fire burning in Narran Lake Nature Reserve was upgraded to a watch and act Thursday after strong southerly winds worsened conditions, according to the NSW RFS.
Some properties in the Glengarry area are believed to have been damaged by the current blaze.
Firefighters and water-bombing aircraft have been trying to contain the fire for days, which as of Thursday evening had burnt 21,200 hectares.
RFS Inspector Ben Shepherd warned on Wednesday that dangerous weather conditions could exacerbate the fire.
"We could continue to see this fire grow and go on to impact more homes," he said.
The RFS said the strong winds should ease by 10pm this evening.
Residents in the north-west area of Glengarry have been advised to prepare for the fire or leave their property.
The Grawin community should monitor conditions and pay attention to any updates as the situation unfolds.