Tragic Loss of a Veteran Firefighter
The fire and emergency services community in South Australia is in mourning following the tragic death of a veteran firefighter. Peter Curtis, a 65-year-old with over three decades of experience, lost his life while actively engaged in combating a bushfire.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred in a remote area west of Kimba, located on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. Mr Curtis was a valued member of a National Parks strike team dispatched to tackle the blazes. He had been working with his brigade on a low-level grass fire within the Pinkawillinie Conservation Park on Sunday when he was reported missing.
His disappearance prompted an immediate and extensive search operation, utilising both ground crews and air support. Tragically, when he was eventually located, he could not be revived. CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin addressed the media, stating that authorities would not be releasing further details surrounding the death at this time.
'The specific details of this incident are subject to investigation,' Mr Loughlin said. 'I will not be drawing any speculation about what may or may not have occurred at this point.'
A Life of Service and Dedication
Peter Curtis was a man deeply dedicated to his community and his work. Described by colleagues as 'mischievous' and 'a good comrade', he had amassed approximately 30 years of firefighting experience. He began his career with Forestry SA in 1995 and later joined the National Parks and Wildlife Services Brigade of the CFS in 2017.
Originally from Wirrabara in Mid North South Australia, Mr Curtis also took over the management of his father-in-law's stone fruit orchard. He was a grandfather, and his sudden passing has sent shockwaves through his family and wide circle of friends.
Chief Officer Loughlin led the tributes, expressing the profound sense of loss. 'Our thoughts and indeed the thoughts of the entire fire and emergency services community are with his family, his friends and, of course, his colleagues,' he said. 'Peter's loss will be felt very keenly across the fire services. He was much-loved and deeply respected by everyone.'
His cousin, Noel Curtis, 67, shared fond memories of their childhood, saying, 'We'd spend a lot of our time growing up, just out in the bush. Nothing too silly, but we got into a bit of trouble every now and then.' He added, 'By the time you get to my age you've already lost a few friends but sometimes it's just not who you thought it would be.'
Close friend Greg Pech, who had known Mr Curtis for half a century, echoed the sentiments of many, describing him as a 'good comrade' on the fireground. 'You could trust that he'd watch your back,' Mr Pech stated. This tragedy marks the first death of a first line of duty Parks and Wildlife Service firefighter.
