A New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service firefighter who died after being struck by a falling tree during a bushfire has been named as John Lohan, a 59-year-old father. The divisional commander was killed in Nerong on the state's mid-north coast on Sunday night. He had been working in a critical leadership role on the fireground, ensuring the safety of his firefighters and the community, the NPWS said.
Lohan had been based at the service's Lake Munmorah depot for almost 30 years and had been deployed to fires across the state. In a statement released on Tuesday, his family thanked the public for their support and said they were deeply grateful to John's coworkers for their compassion and strength. They noted that the contributions of NPWS staff often go unrecognised and that they truly value the role they play on the front line every day.
Meanwhile, on the NSW Central Coast, arson squad and forensic officers are investigating the cause of a bushfire that destroyed 16 homes in Koolewong. Fanned by high temperatures and strong winds, the out-of-control blaze swept across the area on Saturday afternoon, with flames at one point jumping a stretch of water 1km wide. Police have confirmed that active crime scenes remain at houses and dwellings on Nimbin Avenue, Glenrock Parade and John Street in Koolewong.
The Rural Fire Services commissioner, Trent Curtin, said it was still unclear how the Koolewong fire started. He urged against speculation at this stage, noting there are many possible causes. The ABC reported that an officer was photographed at the scene carrying a clear plastic evidence bag containing a red jerry can. Police said investigations at the active crime scenes had been suspended due to safety concerns, with structural engineers now engaged.
Firefighters in NSW were continuing to contain the bushfire south of Bulahdelah that had burned more than 4,600 hectares. The blaze, at advice level, was burning in the Myall Lakes national park between Crawford River and Nerong on Tuesday. Four homes were destroyed in that fire over the weekend. The RFS had urged the small community of Nerong to prepare to evacuate on Monday evening, but back burning overnight was successful.
In Tasmania, the Fire Service issued fresh watch and act advice for Dolphin Sands on Tuesday, though conditions were easing. Bushfire smoke from the NSW fires affected air quality down through the Central Coast to Sydney, with poor air quality recorded in the Lower Hunter, Lake Macquarie and Central Coast regions.
