Australia: NSW fatality

The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service has released information about a firefighter fatality. Bryce Laut died while fighting a fire in Kumbatine National Park near Kempsey. According to a release from the agency, he was killed when a " burnt-out tree fell directly onto Bryce".

Here is an excerpt from an article in the Macleay Argus:

The National Parks and Wildlife officer from Port Macquarie was fighting a fire, suspected of being deliberately lit, in the Kumbatine National Park, about 26km south-west of Kempsey.

He was killed instantly about 6pm on Sunday when a tree fell on him as he was assisting a back burning operation in the remote national park.

The national park covers 13,000ha and is a protected area. Following the death, police have warned arsonists they face 14 years in jail if convicted of deliberately lighting a fire.

Police were conducting inquiries into the man’s death with a report to be prepared for the NSW Coroner’s office. Specialist investigators are expected to examine the cause of the bushfire.

Our condolences to the family and coworkers of Mr. Laut.