A 34-year-old farmer has been killed helping fire crews battle a bushfire in WA’s south.
The man was driving along Old Ongerup Road in Mindarabin at 8:10pm yesterday when a tree fell onto his vehicle, crushing the cab.
He sustained critical injuries and died at the scene, about 400 kilometres south-east of Perth.
Around 100 firefighters worked to tackle the blaze, which reached emergency level. (Supplied: Graeme Savage)
He is the second farmer to die fighting bushfires in the same region this month, after Ravensthorpe farmer Mark Mudie was killed in a fire earlier in West River, about 500km south-east of Perth.
At least two blazes started in the area between Gnowangerup and Ongerup just after midday yesterday as gusty winds hit the region and temperatures tipped over 40 degrees Celsius.
More than 100 firefighters, local farmers and several water bombers battled the blaze which has burnt through more than 5,500 hectares.
It reached emergency level yesterday but has since been downgraded to advice level.
The 34-year-old’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and police will prepare a report for the coroner.
‘Heartbreaking’ loss
Member for Roe Peter Rundle said his thoughts were with the man’s family and friends.
“The loss of a young volunteer who stepped forward to protect others is profoundly heartbreaking, and it is a stark reminder of the very real risks faced by those who serve on the front line to keep our communities safe,” he said.
LoadingLoading
