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Firefighters mourn loss of NSW colleague while wildfires burn across S. Australia

Xinhua, November 27, 2015 Adjust font size:

Australian firefighters are mourning the loss of a colleague in New South Wales (NSW) overnight as crews continue to battle wildfires across the dry, hot continent.

New South Wales rural fire service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told reporters on Friday the death of a volunteer fire-fighter while battling a blaze near Cessnock was "absolutely tragic" and "a sobering reminder of the dangers" and "volatile nature" of fire fighting.

The man, 48, suffered a heart attack at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday night when his crew sought shelter when winds changed making the fire, that was being combated by 100 personnel, volatile and dangerous.

Bushfires, or wildfires, are an annual summer event in Australia. However, authorities have warned they are becoming increasingly longer and more intense as temperatures and weather events rise from climate change.

Fourteen fires are burning across southern Australia that have killed two people, a 56-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man, thousands of animals, with authorities fearing toll could rise from 30 people who are being treated for various injuries.

"Five of those are in either crucial or serious condition with significant burns. We know that one of those persons as burns to more than 80 percent on their body," South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill said on Thursday night.

"We hold grave fears for many more," he added.

Insurance companies say 61 million Australian dollars of claims have already been lodged, however, the damage bill is sure to be higher.

The fires which stretch over 210 kilometers, have destroyed 35 homes, 160 other buildings, dozens of vehicles and farm machinery, while crop and stock losses -- including 50,000 chickens, numerous pigs and sheep -- are expected to be significant.

Four people -- three European backpackers and one local identity -- were sadly killed in last week's wildfire in Western Australia that destroyed over 120,000 hectares of land, 15,000 head of livestock and grain crops. Endit