New South Wales, December 09, 2025
A firefighter was killed near Nerong on the NSW Mid North Coast during a bushfire prevention operation south of Bulahdelah, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by emergency services amid widespread fires burning across New South Wales and Tasmania.
The fatality occurred when a tree struck the firefighter while personnel were engaged in control efforts for a large bushfire near Bulahdelah. The fire, which has consumed approximately 3,400 hectares, remains active with hundreds of firefighters continuing to battle the blaze. The incident underscores the hazardous conditions prevailing as authorities strive to contain the fires.
The broader fire emergency has led to substantial property damage, including the destruction of at least 39 homes across affected regions. Notably, in the Central Coast town of Kuliwong, 16 homes were destroyed and nine others damaged due to bushfire activity. Recovery efforts are underway in these communities as emergency responders manage threats to additional populated areas.
Amidst these events, authorities have launched an arson squad investigation into the cause of the Kuliwong fire. Officials seek to determine whether the fire was deliberately lit, intensifying concerns about the origins of recent devastating fires. New South Wales government representatives have reached out to the family of the deceased firefighter, with the Premier describing the day as “sad” for the state and emphasizing the inherent dangers of firefighting under current extreme conditions.
The loss of the firefighter serves as a somber reminder of the critical risks emergency personnel face daily while protecting communities from natural disasters. Firefighting efforts remain ongoing as agencies coordinate resources and recovery to mitigate the significant impacts of this season’s bushfires across multiple regions in Australia.