Probe into Wedderburn Hazard Reduction Burn After Fire Truck Destroyed
A hazard reduction burn in Sydney's south-west has sparked an investigation after a fire truck was destroyed and a firefighter hospitalized. The fire intensified suddenly on Saturday, causing damage to several properties and prompting a swift response from emergency services.
An investigation has been launched into a hazard reduction burn in Sydney's south-west that caused the destruction of a fire truck and the hospitalisation of a smoke-affected firefighter.
Conducted by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, the planned burn at Wedderburn started at 10am Saturday after two successful test fires.
Fire Intensifies
The fire intensified at about 4pm following a sudden change in wind conditions, with the blaze destroying one fire tanker and damaging two others.
An RFS volunteer firefighter suffered smoke inhalation and chest pain during the incident and was taken to hospital as a precaution. He has since been released.
Seventeen other volunteer firefighters were assessed and cleared by paramedics.
Response and Support
Additional resources, including two helicopters, were sent to regain control of the fire.
Crews returned to the site on Sunday to continue with damage assessments, with minor damage reported at two properties.
RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said the crews activated emergency spray systems on the tankers after becoming overrun by fire.