NPWS firefighter killed during bushfire mitigation work at Nerong

A NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) firefighter has died after being struck by a falling tree while carrying out bushfire prevention work north of Newcastle.

The incident occurred late Sunday night near the Bulahdelah fire, which continues to burn on both sides of the Pacific Highway between Crawford River and Nerong and has already destroyed four homes and scorched more than 3,400 hectares of Myall Lakes National Park.

Emergency crews were called to Little Nugra Road at Nerong, about 90 kilometres north of Newcastle, at around 10:45pm following reports a man had been hit by a tree. Despite efforts by NSW Ambulance paramedics, the firefighter died at the scene.

Deputy Secretary of NPWS, Alex Graham, confirmed the death in a statement, saying she was "very saddened" by the loss.
"At approximately 11pm Sunday, the firefighter was struck by a tree while working on a bushfire at Bulahdelah on the state's Mid North Coast," she said.
"Fellow firefighters provided first aid until paramedics arrived. Our thoughts are with the firefighter's family during this difficult time."

NSW Premier Chris Minns described the news as "deeply distressing", acknowledging the dangers faced by frontline crews protecting communities.
"It's a terrible reminder of the risks these men and women take every day," he said.
"It's a sad day for NSW."

MidCoast Council Mayor Claire Pontin said communities around Bulahdelah were devastated.
"These are tight-knit towns," she said. "Nobody ever wants to hear that a firefighter has died. Our hearts go out to his family and friends."

Environment Minister Penny Sharpe also issued a statement calling the death "absolutely devastating" and thanking emergency workers for their continued efforts.

At least 20 homes destroyed as bushfire recovery begins

The number of homes lost to bushfires across NSW has risen to at least 20-16 in Koolewong on the Central Coast and four in Bulahdelah on the Mid North Coast. A natural disaster declaration has been issued for multiple regions, opening access to emergency support for affected residents.

By Sunday evening, all fires across the state were declared under control after a weekend of extreme heat and up to 75 blazes, many of them burning out of control. A cool change and light rain brought relief to firefighters still working to contain hotspots.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) confirmed the updated damage toll after completing assessments in the Koolewong fireground.
"Sixteen houses were destroyed, nine were damaged and 118 were untouched," the RFS said.
"Seven outbuildings were destroyed, with eight unaffected."

Further assessments at Bulahdelah are expected to increase the number of properties lost there.

Disaster assistance has been activated for the Central Coast, Mid Coast, Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Warrumbungle and Dubbo regions. Grants will help residents secure accommodation, replace essential items and support local businesses and primary producers.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said his focus was ensuring communities received rapid support.
"Our crews will be working directly with families today," he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also thanked emergency workers and confirmed federal support as recovery efforts escalate.

Fires brought under control after dangerous conditions

The final Watch and Act alert was lifted late Sunday for the Redhead fire south of Newcastle, which burned more than 64 hectares. Firefighters remain on the ground to monitor conditions in case of flare-ups.

Earlier in the day, strong southerly winds created challenging conditions, rapidly shifting fire behaviour. RFS Inspector Andrew Dunkin said the change intensified the situation before easing on Sunday afternoon. Thunderstorms, hail and damaging winds were forecast for the state's north-east, prompting RFS strike teams to remain on standby.

At Koolewong, where damage has been described as "devastating", more than 250 firefighters, 50 trucks and a Chinook helicopter remained on the ground after the fire surged from a park area early Saturday afternoon and quickly escalated to an emergency warning.

The RFS says the steep terrain and limited access hindered firefighting efforts, with crews at one point transported by boat to reach isolated properties.

Evacuation centres were set up, including at Gosford RSL, where around 60 residents sought shelter.

At Bulahdelah, firefighters continue to patrol firegrounds after Thursday's blaze tore through the Crawford River area, closing the M1 and burning more than 3,000 hectares. Additional resources, including air tankers and the Chinook, helped crews gain control more quickly than expected.