A NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service firefighter has died after being struck by a falling tree while working to contain a dangerous bushfire near Bulahdelah, as authorities warn fire risks will remain high for months and disaster support is rolled out across parts of the state.
The man was hit about 10.45 pm on Sunday while tackling a fast-moving blaze on the Mid North Coast. Paramedics were called to the scene, but he died from his injuries. Efforts are still being made to notify his family and colleagues.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences to the firefighter’s loved ones and praised crews working in hazardous conditions across NSW, saying the government would continue to support emergency services and communities as the fire season unfolds.
He said the firefighter’s death was a stark reminder of “the real human cost” of increasingly dangerous conditions and paid tribute to those who “run towards danger to keep others safe”.
The fatality comes as disaster assistance is activated for six local government areas following days of intense fire activity, with homes destroyed and significant damage reported across the Central Coast, Mid Coast, Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Warrumbungle and Dubbo council areas.
Early assessments indicate multiple houses were lost, along with extensive damage to private land, critical infrastructure, fencing, farm assets, and sections of the national park. Rural Fire Service crews are still working through affected communities to confirm the full extent of the destruction.
Under joint Commonwealth–state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, residents whose homes have been damaged may be eligible for emergency accommodation, essential household items and grants to repair or restore their properties to a safe, liveable standard. Support will also be available for low-income households without insurance.
Small businesses and primary producers will be able to apply for concessional loans of up to $130,000, alongside freight and transport subsidies to move stock and fodder. Not-for-profit groups can apply for loans of up to $25,000, and local councils will receive assistance to clear debris and rebuild damaged public assets. Funding will also support counter-disaster operations carried out by emergency services.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said conditions on the fire ground had been “extremely challenging” and acknowledged the emotional toll on residents.
“We know this has been a distressing period for so many people,” she said, thanking first responders and local volunteers for their efforts to keep communities safe.
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the blazes had taken a heavy toll on those in the fire zones. “Some residents have lost homes, livelihoods and their sense of security,” she said.
“The NSW Government will continue to stand with affected communities every step of the way as they clean up, rebuild and recover.”
Authorities have warned that hot, dry conditions and lingering fuel loads mean the risk of dangerous bushfires will persist over the coming months, even as cooler weather offers short-term relief in some regions. Communities in fire-prone areas have been urged to review their bushfire survival plans, stay across local warnings and avoid driving or entering fire-affected zones unless necessary.
Impacted residents can call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit the website for information on grants, accommodation and other recovery support. Members of the public have been asked not to send unsolicited physical donations to fire-affected areas; instead, official relief partner GIVIT is coordinating requested items and financial contributions to ensure help reaches those who need it most.
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