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Australian Wildfires Kill Firefighter, Destroy Nearly 40 Homes Across Two States

03:56 PM, 12/08/2025
Australian Wildfires Kill Firefighter, Destroy Nearly 40 Homes Across Two States

A 59-year-old firefighter was killed after being struck by a falling tree while fighting a wildfire near Bulahdelah, New South Wales. The blaze there burned about 3,500 hectares and destroyed several homes. Across New South Wales and Tasmania, roughly 40 homes were lost—about 20 in NSW and 19 in Dolphin Sands, Tasmania. Crews expect to battle some fires for days, and impacted areas remain closed while authorities assess damage.

A 59-year-old firefighter has died while battling wildfires that officials say have destroyed roughly 40 homes across New South Wales and Tasmania.

Authorities said the firefighter was struck by a falling tree on Sunday night while fighting a blaze near the New South Wales town of Bulahdelah. Crew members were unable to resuscitate him, Rural Fire Service Commissioner Trent Curtin said.

The fire near Bulahdelah has burned about 3,500 hectares (8,650 acres) of bushland and destroyed several homes, with crews expecting to battle the blaze for several days.

New South Wales Situation

On Monday, there were 52 wildfires burning across New South Wales, nine of which remained out of control. Curtin reported that about 20 homes were destroyed in the state over the weekend, and firefighting teams continue to work to protect threatened communities.

Tasmania Impact

In Tasmania, a separate weekend fire in the coastal community of Dolphin Sands destroyed 19 homes, local government official Dick Shaw told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. That blaze was contained by Monday, but roads to the area remained closed and officials said it was not yet safe for residents to return.

"This is a tragic reminder of the danger firefighters face and the destructive power of these fires," Curtin said, urging residents to follow local emergency advice.

Emergency services in both states continue to assess damage, support affected families and monitor weather conditions as crews work to contain active blazes.

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